Courses

•Computer Programming
•AP Computer Programming
•Conceptual Physics
•Website Design II


Events

•Catapult Competition
•Astronomy Events


Photo Albums

•Catapult Competition 2005
•Catapult Competition 2004
•Lunar Eclipse 27 October 2004
•Swim Meet Championships Winter 03-04
•Computer Monitor Refresh Rates
•Physics Lab I 2003
•Physics Lab II 2003

Resources

•Stardate
•Astronomy Picture of the Day
•Heavens-Above
•Intl Dark Sky Association

Contact Mr. Green

 

 

Rules for Catapult Competition

Purpose

    To design and construct a catapult that will project a tennis ball the farthest in competition.

Date

    The competition will take place on Monday, 19 November 2007 , on the football field.

Submissions

All teams (maximum two students or faculty) must submit, in writing, the names of team members to their respective physics teacher.

Rules
  • The catapult must have an original design.
  • The height of the catapult in firing position (before release, not as it is firing) cannot exceed one meter.
  • The height of the catapult will be measured from the catapult's base to its highest point.
  • No explosive or compressed air (i.e. CO2 cartridges) may be used.
  • Crossbow style catapults will not be accepted.
  • No slingshot style catapults may be used.
  • Metal may not be used for construction of the catapult body.
  • Catapults must be brought to the bleachers of the football field by 7:45 a.m. on the day of competition. Catapults will be kept under the bleachers until after school. Inspections will take place during physics class on the day of competition.
  • Only team members are allowed to launch the projectile.
  • The energy for launch must come from within the catapult system. Energy sources that are external to the catapult are not allowed.
  • Team members are allowed to stabilize their catapult before, but not during, launch.
  • A catapult that falls over the launching line during or after the launch will forfeit that launch.
  • Ranking will be determined by measuring the distance from the launching line to where the ball hits the ground.
  • Each team will be allowed three launches.
  • The order of launch will be determined before the competition begins.
  • A team is composed of one or two students or faculty.
  • Mr. Green and Mr. London will be the final judges on all rules. If you have questions, ask Mr. Green or Mr. London before construction.

Awards

Awards will be given according to final rankings when all launches are complete.

Grading (for Conceptual Physics students)

  • Design: 1/3 of grade, based on the following:
    • meet requirements listed above
    • practicality of design
    • research and planning of design
    • creativity of design
    • ingenuity of construction
  • Participation: 1/3 of grade, based on the following:
    • active presence on the day of competition
    • assistance in catapult construction
  • Ranking: 1/3 of grade, scored as follows:
    • The team with the highest ranking will receive 100% of the possible points (lab grade)
    • The team with the lowest ranking will receive 80% of the possible points
    • All other ranking teams will be scaled and scored accordingly
    • Unranked teams (no positive displacement) will receive 75% of the possible points
    • No points will be given for no entry
    • Mr. Green and Mr. London reserve the right to penalize or disqualify entries