The Projectile Launch Project

Who is this site for?

Users of this web site may include middle school and high school students, secondary math and science teachers, parents of students working on this project, and anyone interested in learning more about catapults and the science behind them.

What is a projectile and why do people want to launch them?

A projectile is any thrown object. Humans have used projectiles for tens of thousands of years for hunting and for warfare. A stone launched from a sling can bring down a bird for dinner. A larger stone can bring down an enemy before he gets close enough with his spear to be dangerous.

Studying how to improve the distance and accuracy with which projectiles can be thrown has resulted in many scientific and mathematical discoveries, and because of their wide applications, people are continuing to develop new kinds of projectile launchers each day.

To learn more about The Projectile Launch Project, please explore the links to the left.