Wright State University
8th Annual Trebuchet Competition

FAQs

What's a Treb-u-what?

A trebuchet, pronounced treb-u-shay, was used in medieval times as a weapon to catapult heavy stones at enemy fortifications.

What then, exactly, is the Trebuchet Competition?

The Trebuchet Competition is a dynamic and thrilling sporting event in which student teams use trebuchets-which they design and construct as a classroom project-for hurling... no, not heavy stones, but lightweight squash balls... at an intended target, i.e., the opposing team's trebuchet or flag.

Through a series of team matches, students put their trebuchets and game-winning strategies to the test with winners advancing to the big tournament and trying to win bragging rights as the "Trebuchet Competition Champions!"

Where Does The Trebuchet Competition Really Begin... and What Do Students Learn?

For each and every trebuchet team, the Trebuchet Competition begins in the classroom where students first learn about the trebuchet and its place in history. Students then gain an understanding of the engineering process as they perform research to design, build and test a working trebuchet product.

After researching the trebuchet's construction, students learn and use physics, as well as computational tools (available on the Web) to design and develop their own working trebuchets. Students perform experimental design as they try different construction concepts and vary design parameters. The construction dynamics are complex enough; experimental design techniques and simulations prove to be invaluable.

In building their trebuchets, students also learn about the cost, quality, time, performance, manufacturability, usability, and reliability that are required to build the subjects of their designs.

After successfully achieving a working trebuchet, students gather into teams and learn about team structure and the value of teamwork. However, the hard work doesn't end there. Practicing together as a team becomes essential to achieving good performance on the playing field as game tactics become the deciding factor in distinguishing who is the better team.

Come match time, trebuchets and game-winning strategies are put to the test; the excitement and drama builds as fortunes shift with each and every trebuchet shot.

Is a Registration Fee Required?

No, a registration fee is not required; however, teams are responsible for the cost of building their trebuchets as well as the purchase of squash balls and protective eyewear to use during the Competition.

...for those who like to hurl