Week 1 - Let battle commence!

Week 2 - Teams have been given some materials to make their own trebuchet based on the KNEX kit used at the launch event (above). Teams are also encouraged to bring in recycled items from home to make their trebuchet unique. Handouts give teams information about the specification and tips on how to make their trebuchets.

Week 3 - Construction is well under way. The dowel bases are being tied using knot techniques discussed and learnt last week while cardboard sides are being reinforced.

While the teams are busy, the younger members of the team are given the opportunity to take part in a mini challenge. This week it was shield making.

Meanwhile on week 4 construction turns to reinforcing the sides of the trebuchet and drilling the swinging arm which can be up to one metre long.

During the half term break the teams created their own team flag.

When we returned the arms were being fitted and some teams reached the testing stage.

The children took part in a target mini challenge.

The room is full of activity...

Testing in the main hall continues: READY.......STEADY......GO!!!!

The jelly cubes start to fly!

Well 7 weeks have flown by, the finished trebuchets and castles are set up for judging on the grand final day on 28 November 2009.

Once the judging had taken place,we all moved into the main hall for the finale - the firing of the jelly cubes!

The teams line up and take aim...

After careful measuring the cubes were collected.....is this your cube!!?

With a big thank you to the judges - Councillor Jean Gardner of Tilehurst Parish Council, Rick Jones of Purley Parish Council and Sgt. Barry Walker of Thames Valley Police.

The winners were:

First Place: Team Gibbins.......................9.45 metres

Runner Up: D.R.A.G..............................8.49 metres

Third Place: Cardboard Box Town Rovers Utd......7.63 metres

The judges award for technical excellence went to: D.R.A.G.

While Team Gibbins received a Highly Commended certificate for their technical excellence.

The session leaders' awards were as follows: Team work: M & M Racers Best use of recycling: Cardboard Box Town Rovers Utd Most entertaining: Wilsons Go Ballistic

But the real winner was family fun!!

Useful websites to visit for the past Trebuchet challenge

http://globalspec.com/trebuchet/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebuchet

Bonus Cube Activities:

Map question
How many words
Team Flag
Wordsearch

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