Catapult Design Technology

You are tasked by the SuperFun Toy Company to design and construct a catapult for a game. This catapult must accurately and precisely launch mini marshmallows at targets, considering the use of limited building materials and other constraints. Paraphrase the problem.

• Design a game involving a water gun

• Create a catapult for launching mini marshmallows

• Build a puzzle game for toddlers

• Invent a new board game

What are constraints in terms of engineering design?

• Guidelines that must be followed during the design process

• Software tools used in design

• Financial limitations only

• None of the above

What is the main simple machine operating a catapult?

• Lever

• Wheel and axle

• Pulley

• Inclined plane

If your catapult launches marshmallows so that they all land in the same place but do not hit the target at all, is that an example of accuracy or precision?

• Accuracy

• Precision

• Both accuracy and precision

• Neither accuracy nor precision

If all your marshmallows hit the target, but in different places on the target, is that an example of accuracy or precision?

• Accuracy

• Precision

• Both accuracy and precision

• Neither accuracy nor precision

What if all your marshmallows hit the target in the same place?

• Precision

• Accuracy

• Both precision and accuracy

• Neither precision and accuracy

If your marshmallow is not making it to the target, should you increase the force on the launcher or decrease it?

• Increase the force

• Decrease the force

• Change the target

• Do nothing

What should you do if you launch your marshmallow and it goes way past the targets for the next trial?

• Increase the force on the launcher

• Decrease the force on the launcher

• Do not change the force on the launcher

• Change the direction of the launcher

At what part of the launch does the marshmallow have the most potential energy?

• At the beginning of the launch

• At the highest point of the launch

• Halfway up the launch

• When it lands back on the ground

At what part does the marshmallow have the most gravitational potential energy?

• At the beginning of the launch

• At the highest point of the launch

• Halfway up the launch

• When it lands back on the ground