🛠 Engineering Mechanics: Catapults (Ages 13+)

  Self-Paced, Asynchronous 

In this 6-week project-based course, students design and build three different catapults, moving from simple to advanced engineering designs. Starting with a popsicle stick mini-launcher, learners progress to a mid-level wooden frame design, and complete the journey with a PVC catapult modeled after the Engineering Design Challenge. Each build integrates physics concepts such as force, velocity, and acceleration, helping students connect hands-on projects to real-world science applications.

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the engineering design process (plan → build → test → improve)
   
• Apply Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion (F=ma) to projectile systems
   
• Calculate velocity, acceleration, and energy transfer in catapults
   
• Strengthen problem-solving through iterative design challenges
   
• Connect projects to NGSS Physical Science Standards

• Week 1: Introduction to Catapults + Popsicle Stick Build
   
• Week 2: Testing & Measuring Launch Angles / Simple Physics
   
• Week 3: Frame-Built Catapult – Structural Engineering Basics
   
• Week 4: Testing & Data Collection – Calculating Velocity/Acceleration
   
• Week 5: PVC Catapult Build (Engineering Challenge)
   
• Week 6: Final Project Showcase + Physics Review

Students will need:

• Popsicle sticks, rubber bands, spoons, tape/glue
   
• Wood or pre-made frame materials (can be purchased online/Amazon kits)
   
• PVC pipe, elbows, and connectors (Home Depot / Amazon)
   
• Simple measuring tools (tape measure, stopwatch, protractor app)
   
• Access to a computer/tablet for video lessons & data loggin

MTC instructors are certified STEM educators and industry experts with experience in engineering design challenges. They bring hands-on teaching expertise to guide students through safe, creative builds.

This course requires basic tools and materials (PVC cutting may need parent support or supervision). Parents should assist with setup and safety checks for each build. Projects are designed for ages 13+ due to the complexity of materials. All online instruction is delivered in a safe, monitored environment.

This course aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in Physical Science and Engineering Design. Students apply MS-PS2: Motion and Stability—Forces and Interactions and MS-ETS1: Engineering Design by building, testing, and refining catapults that demonstrate concepts of force, motion, and energy transfer