The Great Bear-a-pult Challenge

Congratulations! You are an engineer working for GummyGuys'n'Gals, Inc.

You have been given a far-reaching task. Read on to find out the details...

BACKGROUND

The word catapult comes from the Greek katapultos, which is the earliest kind of ballista (bullet-like object) – it has nothing to do with throwing cats around. Catapults were used by many civilizations throughout history mainly as a weapon, from hurling balls of fire over castle walls to launching boulders to crumble barricades. GummyGuys'n'Gals, Inc. would like to start a new and friendlier page in the catapult history: Bear-a-pults! Can a weapon of the past be reconstructed to be a fun ride of the future?

THE CHALLENGE

Design your own bear-a-pult ride:

Using only the materials provided, build a bear-a-pult that will fly a gummi gymnast over Olympic heights and distances, landing the bear safely on the landing pad!

THE GUIDELINES

Your Bear-a-pult should:

-Fly the bear at least 24≤ high

-Fly the bear at least 48≤ far

-End with the bear landing on a 8.5≤ x 11≤ landing pad

Extension: Include a way to adjust the ride for braver or more timid bear gymnasts

Your presentation should include:

-Each person speaking

-A name for your bear-a-pult

THE MATERIALS (for each team):

-15 playing cards

- Gummi Bears

- 20 drinking straws

- 60≤ string

- 10 rubber bands

- 1 roll of tape

- 1 pairs of scissors

- ruler

Good Luck! The Gummi gymnasts are very excited for the test rides!