Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a catapult that can land on two different targets. In this design challenge, students will learn forces and motion in the operation of the simple machine known as a lever. Students will then design a catapult to hit two targets at two different distances. The students will be presented with the following problem: The Kingdom of All You are looking to deliver care packages to the town of Teastem but is prevented by a large canyon. Students will put on their engineering hats to build a catapult to deliver care packages to two different target locations. Bonus points will be awarded to those who wish to build a catapult that can successfully launch a heavier care package to both locations.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
2021 Science TEKS covered in this design challenge
Grade 2 TEKS: 2.1.B, 2.1.E, 2.1.G, 2.2.D, 2.6.A, 2.6.C, 2.7.B
Grade 3 TEKS: 3.1.B, 3.1.E, 3.1.G, 3.2.D, 3.7.B, 3.8.B
Grade 5 TEKS: 5.1.B, 5.1.E, 5.1.G, 5.2.D, 5.7.A
Grade 7 TEKS: 7.1.B, 7.1.E, 7.1.G, 7.2.D, 7.7.D
Math TEKS covered in this design challenge
Grade 3 TEKS: 3.4.F, 3.4.G
Grade 5 TEKS: 5.3.K, 5.10.F
Grade 7 TEKS: 7.3.A, 7.3.B