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Trebuchets

To date, my favorite project is the Whipper Trebuchet that two of my friends and I built in 2024. The base of the trebuchet is about five feet tall, and the arm is about 63 inches long. It launched water balloons from 100 to 200 feet. In preparations for our 2025 Floating Arm Trebuchet, I have been working on a 3d printed miniature model in my limited free time as a proof of concept.

Whipper Trebuchet

Double layered water balloon, top layer broken, cast in the glow of the setting sun

Tasked with launching water balloons at our physics teacher hiding in a mini castle from 35m away, we built a whipper trebuchet to efficiently do so. Even though our trebuchet missed the castle during the 'official' shots, our projectiles did land inside the castle during some test fires. All in all, it was a fun project, and we are excited for our next attempt.

Check out our video, edited mostly by me and published by my friend.

For more lore, check out the tech binder:

Mini Hinged Trebuchet

Miniature decorated wooden trebuchet

During Freshman year, my science class was tasked to make miniature versions of the trebuchets that launched water balloons at the physics teachers. These mini trebs were supposed to launch ball bearings at a mini replica of a physics teacher inside a mini cardboard castle. My group luckily succeeded in hitting the mini physics teacher, earning us bragging rights and a few extra points.

Check out my reflection for more information: