Kevin GT-EFOLIO

12. Communicating processes and results (1-Page Reflection on the Whole Process)

 

From the beginning I thought this project was going to be simple. I thought building a catapult was going to be easy. Catapults have a simple mechanism which allow objects to be launched  to far distances. Upon choosing a design I wanted to choose the simpliest desgin made out of craft sticks and a few rubber bands. But unforutnately we were band from using that design because it required minimal effort. I continued to research and decided to construct my catapult using the standard design.

Once I began construction I decided to make he side frames a triangular shape so that the catapult cold have good stability and good balance once standing upright. I was also able to find a very thin stick which would fit perfectly through the craft sticks with a drill. I used a lot of hot glue instead of the wood glue because I did not like how messy wood glue is when constructing. Also the wood glue takes longer to dry compared to the hot glue.

I basically already had my frame but I needed to add two support beams so when the rubber bands were placed on the screws, the wood would not bend inwards. Once I had my fam and support system complete I drilled holes so that 4 screws could fit into the sides of the craft sticks. These screws would eventually hold the rubber bands that would assist launching the ball.

After construction my catapult was complete. I ran through multiple test shots and made into in the basket multiple times. I had fun creating this project and it helped me explore how to solve problems without assistance of the teacher.