Make a Trebuchet

Overview

Here you can create your very own trebuchet like a medieval commander. Use it to siege the cat or escape your room.

Background

A trebuchet was a medieval weapon and one of the deadliest military machines of its time.

It is a type of catapult with a long arm used for hurling rocks at an enemy castle and was used during a siege before gunpowder was invented.

It used a sophisticated counter-balance system that allowed large rocks to be thrown with such a force that they could breach event the strongest of fortifications.

Instructions

Mersey and Dee YAC

Adult supervision is not required for this activity.

Type of Activity : Crafting

How many people required (minimum) : 1

Safety Measures : Be careful when using scissors, you may want to ask an adult to help you. Also, be careful where you fire your trebuchet!!!

Ages : All ages

Time Required: 1 hour

Step 1

Cut a trapezoid shape on each of the large sides of the box and cover it with brown paper, or paint it, or just leave it as it is.

Step 2

Pierce two holes at the top of the sides of the box. Insert a skewer through these holes and then take the skewer out. Trim a second skewer to 9" (23cm), to form the PIVOT and lay it at right angles to the first skewer.

Step 3

Tie the skewers together with string, keeping the right angle. A dab of glue can be useful to keep it in place.

Step 4

Using sellotape, fasten the scoop to the pointed end of the long skewer. It can help to push the point of the skewer through the base of the scoop, but it is not necessary. Sellotape the pebble firmly to the other end of the skewer. This is the COUNTERWEIGHT which causes the long arm to swing up and launch the missile!

Step 5

Ease the PIVOT through the holes in the side of the box, and allow the counterweight to swing freely.

Step 6

Push the third skewer under the counterweight, load up a scrunched ball of tin foil, gently withdraw the trigger, and let fly!