Colorado MESA presents its national engineering design competition
specifications for the 2008-2009 year. High school and middle
school teams selected to participate at the national event will
compete in the four components below:
Performance
Teams will research, design, build, test and compete with a trebuchet
designed to meet projectile, counterweight, and size characteristics
of the event. The
performance of the high school device will be judged in four tasks:
- Distance: farthest distance thrown of a single projectile
- Accuracy: nearest distance of projectile impacts to
two ground level targets
- Strength: greatest mass of multiple projectiles delivered
to a vertical target
- Design Efficiency: greatest ratio of device performance
score to device mass.
*The middle school devices will perform
the first two tasks and earn points for design efficiency from
that score.
Device Impounding
All trebuchets will be impounded (qualified) as noted below. Click here to view a diagram of the Multi-Task Trebuchet dimensions >>
- Station 1: Sign In/Photo
Sign-in, ensure team has 2 male and 2 female, take photo of team with trebuchet and sign with school name for visual record.
- Station 2: Pivot Point Check
Measure pivot point and counterweight height. Ensure arm does not move vertically and is balanced toward throwing end. Ensure counterweight is sole energy source.
- Station 3: Weigh in of Projectiles/Counterweight
Weigh projectiles and counterweight. Ensure sling is incorporated. Check counterweight and projectiles for illegal materials. Weigh trebuchet for design efficiency score.
- Station 4: Trebuchet Dimensions Check
Place trebuchet on platform to ensure within dimensions of platform. Check trigger distance. Check projectile height at launch position. Conduct test launch to ensure projectile does not drop in motion during launch, that trebuchet stays on platform, and that trebuchet is safe to compete.
- Station 5: Final Impounding Check and Approval
Technical Paper
Teams will submit a 5-15 page technical paper that details the
design, development, experimentation and understanding of their
device.
NOTE: Only the winning Colorado High School and Middle School teams need to write a technical paper. However, it is recommended that teams keep accurate records and research information in order to design their Academic Display.
Academic Display
Teams will present the findings of the above-described research
in display format. The display might include items such as data
(e.g., charts and graphs), photographs, drawings, other ideas,
and necessary written explanations.
Oral Presentation
Teams will make an oral presentation based on investigation,
experimentation, design, testing, and experiences related to their
device. This presentation will be delivered to a panel of judges.
After the presentation, teams will be asked questions by the judges.
Each team competing at the state and national level must consist of 4 (four) students (2 male, 2 female) who are active members of a MESA program. Teams are required to participate in all of the above-listed components at the Colorado MESA qualifying events, High School Fall Fling and Middle School MESA Days.
The first place middle and high school teams from the 2009 MESA Day
(April 2009) and the Fall Fling 2008 events will
travel to the national competition. These teams must compete in
all tasks listed above. The MESA National event is scheduled for
June 25-28, 2009, hosted by Colorado MESA.
Additional Information and Forms
Download the following forms for additional information including guidelines,
rules and regulations. Also visit the Trebuchet Resources link by clicking here. Good luck!
