Catapults: The Original Weapons of Mass Destruction

human ingenuity: Why and how do we create? What are the consequences?

human ingenuity allows you to focus on the evolution, process and products of human creativity and their impact on life and society. In this unit you are expected to reflect upon the development and impact of the catapult on societies around the world. We will look at the technological development of the catapult from a social and political prospective and the role they played in the history of the world.

The Problem:

The land of Anphusiam is a war-torn land, where trust and betrayal clash as two kingdoms battle for power. The young and ruthless king Raul is building up his armies, ready to attack your northern lands. He is meeting with his greatest knights in his southern most castle. Can you lay seige on this castle and protect your people?

THE DESIGN BRIEF

Before you can can start a design project you must rewritet the ‘problem’ as a clear statement.. This is called the design brief and can be split into two parts:

  1. Background / Challenge - The actual problem: King Raul is gathering his army in his castle. If you dont attack the castle and defeat the army, they will surely take your lands.
  2. Response - What you are expected to achieve: You must design a catapulting device. The catapult must deliver a projectile, capable of breaking down the castle walls.
Its your lucky day. We will not be assessing this part of the design cycle! Copy this design brief and paste it into the beginning of your project.		 1

Research Task - Homework

INVESTIGATION

Human ingenuity goes beyond the act of creation alone.You should examine, experience and reflect on the creative process, from the following perspectives:

  • Impact The impact of the catapult on individuals, society and the world.
  • Context Placing the catapult in context.
  • Product That which has been created.
  • Process The processes involved in creation, development or change.
  • Development Subsequent developments and changes to catapults.

You will need to look at the different types of catapults (product). How they were made and how the designs have changed over time (Process and Development). Their value as weapons and the impact they had on those living in castles (impact)

HOMEWORK TASK 1:

As you collect information you need to dselect only the important parts and decide on the reliability of the information.

Find out about:

  1. The main types of catapult used in war. See here for some help.
  2. When they were used
  3. Who used them - including different countries
  4. What range they had
  5. Relative damage they caused
  6. Why changes were made to the designs

HOMEWORK TASK 2: 500 word essay

You need to create a 500 word essay about catapults. This should be in your own words and use footnotes. You should have a bibliography at the end of your essay and all pictures and information needs to be acknowledged. You must include information on:

  • Product -The different types of catapults
  • Process How they were made
  • Development How the designs have changed over time
  • Impac- the impact they had on those living in castles / fighting wars
  • Context - Their value as weapons during the Medieval times

 

Class work : Creating a catapulting device

During class time we will concentrate on the Create stage of the design cycle and on our process journals.

Enter the world of catapult building here