Flickr: photoverulam

I admit that I want to build a catapult for myself – the thought of recreating old seige weapons for the sole purpose of launching for distance appeals to the kid in me.  As a father, I search for activities that will intrigue the young mind and inspire the imagination.  Let’s just say, for the next few moments at least, that I want to build a catapult for my kids.

My favorite parts of history involve the battles.  The geography, backstory, and  the weapons all determined the different tactics and strategies played out by different sides.  To my bewilderment, some children find history less intriguing. Enter the catapult.

Ballista’s, trebuchets, and more – they all were the height of weapons technology at one time.  Used today for everything from recreation, group exercises, and even in military applications, the catapult is a symbol of technology-past yet human ingenuity at its finest.

Flickr: Waggy's

The catapult uses either tension or weight to launch a projectile. Created by the Greeks, Chinese and refined by the Romans, they were used  succesfully to storm cities and castles. Today their use continues for launching pumpkins, planes, and torpedoes.

The catapult’s history and current use make it the perfect tool to connect a child not only to the past, but to the sciences as well.  The goal, then, is to build the catapult in a way that inspires thought into these studies.

Research is boring, but catapults are very visual and captivating. Research is also important, but to make it painless, the research should involve the psychology of the catapult.  Why were catapults used at all.  How did catapults force changes in battle strategy. Were catapults the ultimate weapon in battles?

The research can also cover how to build one from scratch.  Drawing and sketching plans is a great way to not only work  the imagination muscles, but to get the kids to visualize what they are about to build.

Next, start small with popsicle sticks or go all out and head out to the garage with some 2 by 4′s and start prototyping.  Point out design flaws, logistical errors, and the possible improvements for the final build.  Always return suggestions with positive feedback, regardless of the idea’s feasibility.

Flickr: Claire Sutton

Finally, the best part of building an old school weapon: launch.  Launch a couple pumpkins or watermelons for effect. Show off your new home defense system and exclaim something like, “‘Tis only a flesh wound!” Just remember the catapult demands respect, like any weapon, and should be treated as such.  Discipline is important here. Go over what will happen with the little ones.  Where not to stand, what audible commands to use for preparing, loading, and firing; most of all, this is not a toy.

At the end of the night, maybe around dinner, ask more questions. How hard was it to actually launch the projectile?  Could we get a bit more range?  The point of the project is to get those critical thinking brain cells some exercise.  So ask lots of questions.

Get out there, launch safely, have fun, and be creative.

References and catapult building help links: http://www.delicious.com/juanthedesigner/catapult

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Music by Regis Victor.