Mini Weapon of Mass Destruction: Design and Build a Catapult

In this workshop, we will examine the catapult as an example of design innovation that gets to the root of what design actually is. What is design and when did we as humans start “designing”? Our starting point for this discussion revolves around the concept of “Man the Maker”, of human beings able to control their fate and their environment through design.

We will start with a brief history of design, leading to the development of the technology behind catapults. Primitive catapults were essentially "the product of relatively straightforward attempts to increase the range and penetrating power of missiles.

With that in mind, we will work in small teams to build and innovate small catapults. This is where the fun really starts because we will conclude the class by firing salvos from our creations at an unwitting target or targets. Materials will be provided so just bring your creativity and your siege mentality

Slides for the workshop: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ANRuYTwNwCMRG-xPJ-yJT4DXDTEH9q20wqwz8BrEN7w/edit?usp=sharing

Catapult instructions: http://322ides.com/work/reading/ITPCampcatapult.pdf