Garage Physics: DIY MURLIN Trebuchet Kit

Experience modern trebuchet mechanics with the DIY MURLIN Trebuchet Kit! This hands-on kit introduces students to energy transfer, mechanical advantage, and projectile motion. Unlike traditional trebuchets, the MURLIN design utilises pulleys to enhance efficiency, enabling a ping pong ball to launch over 9 metres. Students will explore how adjusting the counterweight and angles impacts distance and accuracy, gaining valuable insights into physics and engineering concepts.

Why This Product is Beneficial for Educational Use:

• Demonstrates principles of energy transfer through an optimised pulley system.
• Encourages hands-on problem-solving by testing variables like angle, weight, and release timing.
• Develops critical thinking as students compare traditional trebuchet mechanics with the MURLIN design.
• Supports STEM learning, integrating physics, engineering, and mathematics.
• Promotes collaborative experimentation, allowing students to work in teams to refine and improve their trebuchet performance.

Classroom Ideas:

• Engineering Comparison: Have students build and compare the MURLIN trebuchet with a traditional trebuchet to analyse differences in force efficiency.
• Physics in Action: Test various counterweights and launch angles, recording results to graph projectile motion.
• STEM Challenges: Host a distance and accuracy competition, encouraging students to optimise their trebuchet settings.
• Historical Connections: Discuss how trebuchets evolved from medieval siege weapons to modern physics experiments.

Specifications:

• Pack includes:
  • All trebuchet components for assembly.
  • 1 x ping pong ball.
  • Instruction booklet with step-by-step guidance and experiment ideas.
• Tools required: Small Phillips screwdriver (not included).
• Age suitability: 7+ years, suitable for middle school and high school physics lessons.
• Usage: Ideal for STEM projects, physics experiments, and engineering workshops.