Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Catapults explained

The general definition is that a catapult is a machine that stores energy then quickly releases this energy to fire a projectile. To be a "real" catapult the machine generally has to be too large for a person to carry. If we just used the storage and release of energy to define a catapult then a longbow would also fit this definition. So the size of the machine is important.

When did the first catapults appear and where? The earliest writings of catapults were that they originated in China around the 3rd and 4th Century BC and this type of early catapult was much like a big crossbow. They stood around 8 feet tall. True that these are catapults but the thing that makes a catapult into the machine we generally consider to be authentic is the development of the swinging arm. This is the arm that holds the bucket and projectile.

Catapult uses

In modern times, the catapult is used in various ways. The U.S. Navy uses an aircraft catapult to launch airplanes from the deck of ships. In recent years, some people have taken to catapulting themselves. The dangerous sport of the human catapult may be a thrill to some, but in England, it's illegal. After many deaths, this strange hobby is no longer allowed.

Catapult making

Catapult making is first of all a great hands-on craft type project. And it is scalable because there are great projects suitable for children from ages 5 to 25. I will go over some of these project ideas by age group. Secondly there is the play aspect to a catapult. Once it is completed it does something.

It is not a static project. You can use it to create games or to send safe projectiles across the room or yard. Thirdly it is a learning project. You can easily leverage it into a learning process that explores the basics of engineering or that delves into the history of the Middle Ages and siege engines.

CONCLUSION

A different sort of catapult, relying on counterweight rather than winching a rope, is the trebuchet. This type of catapult is thought to have originated in China sometime in the 5th century BCE, though it didn’t reach Europe for another thousand years. A trebuchet catapult basically consists of a huge counterweight attached to the short side of a long arm and a sling attached to the long side.