top of page

Building the trebuchet

1. Be creative (this can be made into a science challenge)!

​

2. To construct the tabletop trebuchet, build a sturdy frame using Lego Technic pieces, which is secured to a stable base made with regular Lego pieces (i.e. Lego bricks and planks). The base includes a firing chute (also made using Lego bricks) to maintain a straight firing trajectory.

​

3.The frame consists of two truss elements that are connected to a shaft. At the centre of the shaft rests a throwing arm that is free to rotate. A long Lego pin is slotted into the throwing arm to act as an arm extension. The throwing arm can be extended to any desired length.

 

4. The trebuchet frame is then mounted on a flat foundation to prevent sliding as the trebuchet recoils after launching a projectile.

 

5. The counterweight of the trebuchet consists of a box (made of Lego bricks) that houses a 100-gram copper weight. To prevent  the box from collapsing whenever the counterweight falls, secure it with a rubber band.

 

​

Materials

  • Lego

  • String

  • Paper

  • Rubber band

  • Copper weight (100 g)

  • Plastic bead (2.6 g)

This model trebuchet is versatile and easy to carry around. A small tabletop trebuchet will also limit any damage or accidental injury.

Construction

bottom of page