Convention Event or Pre-Convention Entry
Spec:
- Large: base/structure larger than a 5.5” x 5.5”
- Small: base/structure smaller than a 5.5” x 5.5”
- The diagonal measurement of the base must be longer than the height of the catapult (i.e., designs in which the Catapult has been effectively turned on its side will be disqualified)
- Arms should be rigid (no ‘whip arms’) and may not include a sling. No trebuchets, please.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: essays are required for impromptu entrants at Convention, who have made their catapults at Impromptu Art (should it be offered as an option to students)
Throwing Items:
- mentos gum
Small Model Competition Parts:
- Distance: will be given 3 attempts
- Essay
- Verbal interview about construction
Large Model Competition Parts:
- Distance: will be given 3 attempts
- Essay
- Verbal interview about construction
Before demonstrating their catapult, entrants should email the contest chair at catapult.cascadiajcl@gmail.com with this information:
Subject line: model type (large or small)
Body:
- full name
- delegation
- convention ID # (if known)
- grade level in school
- date of appointment to demonstrate catapult or if you will demonstrate it live online at the convention
Competition Rules:
Basic rules:
- model must fit on tabletops
- model must be free-standing
- model must not require assistance when in active use
- no holding the base of model when throwing
- weighted bases are allowed
- model should hold throwing object without assistance from user
- model must have a working and mechanical arm
- no slingshot or whip arms
- model should be sturdy enough to be moved from table to floor without breaking
- demonstrations will happen on floor–not table tops for measurement purposes
- TEST MODELS before entering the competition
- students can schedule a meeting with Emily via Calandly
- students have 5 min wiggle room, if am I alone for more than five means I leave the meeting
- students should cancel 24 hours before the appointment at the latest
Construction Materials:
- anything within reason and with reach
- materials should used should not require adult hands for the entire construction of the process
- kits are not allowable—designs and parts must be constructed and come from the student
Measuring:
- preferred: tape either marked by student or sewer’s measuring tape
- tape should be marked in inches and feet
- tape should be placed at front of the model’s base–starting at 0 inches/0 feet
- tape should extend forward at least 6 feet in front of model or more
Students should be prepared to answer these questions:
- inspiration source/origin
- construction materials
- disclose all and any power or electronic tools used
- historical connection–if any
- parental/adult/teacher involvement
- engineering techniques used
- physics/measures of previous tests
Parental/Teacher/Sponsor/Chaperone/Adult/Non-JCL 18+ Individual Involvement:
- may purchase construction items
- may purchase throwing items
- may assist in construction by:
- handing student materials
- holding materials in place for student during construction process
- assisting with hot glue guns
- assist with use of printers and lasers
- assist with dangerous items such as bandsaws and electric drill
- clean up
- may assist in model research
- refrain from:
- building model for student
- directing student’s construction
- physically correcting student construction
- fixing student construction
Essay
To encourage historically accurate and/or inspired design, each contestant must submit a 1-2 page double spaced (typed or handwritten) paper on the catapult. This paper should include the name, grade, and school/delegation of the participant, the dimensions and building materials used for the catapult, and a description of the design as well as what historical sources students used to develop the design. If a catapult design is based on a style of catapult used during a certain period of history or by a certain region of the world, this information should be included in the paper as well. Catapults must be accompanied by such papers to be accepted to the competition. Work not need be time consuming and should be grade appropriate; the intention is for you to provide evidence that you put thought into your design and did some study of Roman history. In the event of a tie (within a grade group) in the distance part of this competition, the papers will be used as a tie breaker. Papers with thorough documentation and evidence of historical inspiration or accuracy will score higher than those with poor documentation and no research. If no clear winner can be established, ties will be awarded.
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