Catapult simulation

for problem solving and variability

User Manual LSS-CAT201 Version 5.20.2013

Three rubber

band sizes

12”, 14”, 17”

Three balls

Three soldiers

One catapult

1. Catapult Simulation Accessories

2. Catapult Parts

Main block

Lever block

Clamp

Base block

Arm block

1

2

3

4

4 positions for lever

block with easy to hold

screw with wing nut

3. Catapult Settings: Lever Block

Open eye clamp to

hold the rubber band

3. Catapult Settings: Base Block

5 positions for arm stop

with easy to hold screw 1 2 3 4 5

4. Catapult Settings: Main Block

5 positions in the arm with

easy to change nuts

5. Catapult Settings: Arm Block

Ball cup holder

Plastic ball cup holder

can be moved to lower

positions

1

2

3

4

5

5 positions in the arm

can be used to locate

the ball cup holder.

1 position is needed for

the wing nut that holds

the rubber band

1 2 3 4 5

6. Catapult Settings: Arm Block Position To Throw the ball

Example shows setup

with a ball in position

#1 and rubber band in

position #3

7. Initial Setup

2 shooters for

each team

1 ball

1 catapult

Fixed distance, about 5 to 8 feet

3 soldiers

8. Teaching Problem Solving

1. Setup & practice 15 min

2. Round 1 10 min per team

3. Problem Solving 60 min

4. Round 2 10 min per team

5. Reflection 30 min

9. Results

The Catapult Game’s

goal is to knock all 3

soldiers down every time

the shooter launches a

ball.

Results must be tracked

(in yellow) by teams and

by each shooter ( e.g.

shooter 1 and shooter 2

from team 1).

Points are assigned by

the number of soldiers

down. One point for

each solder knock down.

Each shooter tries 5 times at each round. The maximum number of points each

shooter can make at each round is 15 (3 soldiers multiplied by 5 times)

Example of scoring results for one team

Facilitator Manual

Need step-by-step instructions to guide a catapult simulation?

A facilitator manual for practical problem solving (A3) and for

design for experiments (DOE) using the catapult simulation

can be purchased at our website LSSdeploment.com