Science Central Trebuchet Competition

Ever heard of a trebuchet? A trebuchet is a siege engine that was employed in the Middle Ages either to smash masonry walls or to lob projectiles over them and into the castle under siege. The counterweight trebuchet appeared in both Christian and Muslim lands around the Mediterranean in the twelfth century. It could fling up to three-hundred and fifty pound projectiles at high speeds into enemy fortifications. Occasionally, disease-infected corpses were flung into cities in an attempt to infect or terrorize the people under siege — a medieval form of biological warfare.

Science Central is putting out the call for you to create your own trebuchet for their trebuchet competition - no dead bodies at this party! On July 14th, 2010, from 4:00-8:00pm, teams will be demonstrating their trebuchet techniques by trying to chuck a 2 pound bag of flour at least 150 feet! Teams will compete at the high school, college/adult, and corporate levels and may have up to 10 members per team. There is a registration fee of $35.00 for high school teams.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 2, 2010. Check out the rules here.

If you have any questions about the competition email Shane or Mike.

Check out this video of a trebuchet hurling a pumpkin!