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Science Project Experiments Catapult Kit (S.P.E.C.K.) ™


The Ultimate Science Project Experimenter's Catapult Kit! It's fully adjustable, multi-configurable and repeatable. It's a perfect model for learning the scientific method!




No glue required! All parts can be assembled with rubber bands for fast and speedy modifications. Rubber bands and wooden projectiles are included!

    -- In one configuration it's a counterweight trebuchet. You can shift the counterweight or adjust the main fulcrum to change the lever ratio of the throwing arm.

    -- In another configuration it's a class-one lever catapult. Also adjustable for multiple lever-ratio options.

    -- Or change it to a class-three lever catapult.

    -- Try it with wheels or without- What effects will it have? Which way will it recoil?

    -- Use a sling or try it with a cupped arm. Which is more effective? Which is easier to use?

All in all, there are more than 400 different configurations and tuning options possible with this kit. Suitable for hundreds of experiments and learning opportunities.

What you get:
All the parts needed to assemble every configuration of this kit. 3/4" and 1" wooden projectiles (the 1-inch balls weigh approx. double what the 3/4" balls weigh), Rubber bands for assembly and power in the lever configurations, leather sling pouch and nylon sling twine, and a welded steel ring for consistent sling release timing.

The completed frame is 14.5 inches long, 7 inches wide and 11 inches tall. The arm measures 20.25 inches long with multiple axle and power attachment points. This machine can hurl projectiles up to 40 feet, depending on configuration, tuning, and lots of other variables!

What you can learn:
This kit provides a real world, hands on example of many aspects of basic physics. It exposes the student to concepts of mechanical advantage, levers, gravity and energy, to name a few. It can demonstrate the storage and conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy through levers, and it is equipped with optional wheels, to demonstrate conservation of momentum. All in all, the concepts of efficiency, power and work can be demonstrated and applied.

This kit is useful for teaching engineering, science, design of experiments, problem solving and Cause-effect relationships. It was designed to get students to think about physics in a real world, tangible context. Theories can be made and tested; this process, and analyzing why the observed results occur can ultimately lead to other, more advanced concepts in physics, mechanics and mathematics. Carrying out the experiments teaches the scientific method, and contextualizes statistics. Analyzing the data can make use of statistical methods from basic averages to much more advanced topics if desired.

With 18 pages of instructions including assembly of every basic configuration, suggested experiments, tuning guidelines, independent and dependent variables to record and measure, data tables, historical information about trebuchets and catapults, and more, it should be easy to get started with this Ultimate Science Project Kit!

* SPECK, S.P.E.C.K. and Science Project Experimenter's Catapult Kit are trademarks of RLT industries.


Tools required:
Scissors, Glue, Ruler, and a utility knife. Sandpaper is optional.

Assembly time:
For a Master carpenter doing a sloppy job: about 30 minutes.
A person with no kit building experience being extremely meticulous: about 1 hour.
The model in these photos was built by Ron Toms in under an hour.

Assembled Size:
- Height: 11"
- Length: 14.5"
- Width: 7"


Range:
- 10 to 40 feet depending on configuration, projectile choice, tuning and lots of other testable variables!

Shipping weight: 5 lbs.
Box dimensions: 16" x 12" x 4"



Quantity pricing info:
0 to 4 kits, standard price.
5 to 9 kits, 10% off
10 or more kits, 15% off
Bulk priced kits are not individually packaged. All parts, components, instructions and hardware for each kit are combined into one box.

Orders of $200 or more get FREE ground shipping!

For more discount pricing info, please visit www.RLT.com/wholesale

WARNING! This is a functional model catapult. It contains a fast moving arm that can cause injury if you make contact when firing. Use only under strict adult supervision.

* Can throw 40 feet when properly constructed and tuned. Your performance may vary.

* Wooden missiles, rubber bands and counterweight box are included. You must supply the counterweight material, about 320 pennies recommended.

* SPECK, S.P.E.C.K. and Science Project Experimenter's Catapult Kit are trademarks of RLT industries.



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    Price: $59.00
    Minimum age: 10
    Availability: In stock.

    Add to Cart
    Item code: 10821

Notes:
Why should a kid
build a catapult?

Because the world needs good engineers and scientists, and because the kids who will grow up to become engineers and scientists need a way to get hands-on experience with physics, math and engineering.

In this age of 200-plus channels of TV, the Internet and computer games, kids are also spending far less time building tree houses, tinkering with engines, or designing downhill racers. We believe those are important skills to have. They help form the basis for good problem solving skills and an innate understanding of the real, physical world that you just can't get from a computer game, no matter how good its physics simulation software is.

Ballistic motion was one of the key players in the development of the science of physics. The word "engineer" even originated as the builders and designer of Siege Engines

Why is a budding engineering student expected to take a year or two of calculus in high school, but she isn't expected to have any real-world experience in building or working with machines and materials? Pencil and paper (or computer screens) are only one part of the learning experience. Where will she apply all of the stuff she learned in geometry and trig? Without physical projects to touch, feel and see, the lessons become abstract, their utility questionable.

A catapult project gives students a chance to see that science and engineering really can be fun, and it's a lot more than just numbers on paper. The real payoff for an engineer is in the field, where she can see and enjoy the results of her ingenuity. And it may seem counterintuitive, but engineering projects not only help kids learn math and science, they are also great at getting kids back outdoors, away from the massive over-exposure to video games, TV and the Internet.

Why all this interest in getting kids to study science and engineering? Because it's important to our society, and it's great mental cross training regardless of what field of work the kids eventually go into. Most people develop a sense for what they want to do in life while they are still in high school or even earlier. A catapult project is fun and interesting enough to inspire some kids to study the science behind how they work, and then go on to become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.

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