Catapults Take the Field: Physics Comes Alive at SWWIE Science Festival

"Adjust… aim… fire!" Sandbags soared across the SWWIE high school field in a thrilling catapult competition during the first-ever Science Festival. Teams used just 10 pine sticks and a 5-meter rubber band to launch sandbags, with no human assistance allowed and the arm limited to 1.8 meters.

Students applied classroom knowledge of levers and projectile motion, getting creative with trigger designs and sandbag holders. A key insight: "Wrap the rubber band multiple times for extra power!"

SWWY ID students earned second place, valuing teamwork over victory. "Winning isn’t everything—completing the challenge with teammates is what matters." This competition showcased the power of project-based learning, blending theory with practice and igniting a passion for science.