Catapults

media type="custom" key="26255904" The catapult is a machine used to hurl projectiles over a great distance without the use of explosives. The earliest catapults date back to ancient Greece -- their mechanism was closely tied to the crossbow. The word "catapult" comes from the Greek kata meaning "downward," and pultos, meaning "shield." Its literal translation was "shield piercer." Catapults as we know them were often-used in medieval times, as they were effective in breaking down a castle's fortified walls. There were different types of catapults used in the Middle Ages. They included: - **Ballista** -- Like a crossbow, it worked by using tension - **Trebuchet** -- It included a lever and sling, and could hurl up to 200 pounds nearly a mile - **Mangonel** -- Projectiles were launched from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of a giant arm This web page shows how to make a catapult with craft sticks and rubber bands. [|Click here]. [|Click here] to open the web page for the instructions. media type="custom" key="26258256" ||=  ||
 * = **Supercharged Science**
 * Marshmallow Catapult**
 * Popsicle Stick Catapult**
 * Simple Catapult**