Projects / Ballista Physics Lab
Ballista Physics Lab
Build a laser-cut birch ballista for measured angle-vs-range experiments. Soft projectiles only (foam balls, foam darts or paper wads, each 2–3 g and Ø20–40 mm; nothing rigid). Energy-capped at ≤ 0.08 J with a simple range check, pull-pin trigger, and padded stop bar, plus eye protection and a backstop. Learn projectile motion and energy storage with honest data.
Digital guide + cut files + BOM + code · Parts sourced separately · Ages 8–14 with adult help
Pack contents
- Side plates (stop-bar angle holes, pull-pin trigger), arm, base, launch-angle gauge SVGs
- Energy check, launch-angle measurement + range trial protocol
- First-principles: projectile motion with release height, energy, drag
- Optional Arduino logger
- Verified BOM (~$29–66 hardware, + $5–15 for the optional logger)
Typical hardware cost
Default structure is laser-cut birch plywood with real fasteners and hobby electronics you can source—honest BOM, not mystery modules.
- ~$29–66 in typical parts, + $5–15 for the optional logger (makerspace cut toward the low end; mail-order toward the high end)
- Digital pack price ≠ hardware
The $7 pack is the digital guide + cut files + BOM + lessons + code, plus printable Builder's Corner build journal pages. Hardware is sourced separately — see Where to get kit materials. Buy with Stripe is live below.
Questions? Email us at lance.haney@gmail.com.
Pricing
- Home / Personal license $7
- Classroom license $29 — 1 teacher, up to 30 studentsOne $29 Classroom license covers one group of up to 30 students. Each additional group needs another license.
- Build materials available at cost + 10% — email for a quote
Learning outcomes
- Predict range vs launch angle, including release height and drag
- Measure range; compute mean ± spread
- Explain elastic energy storage and the 0.08 J safety cap
- Discuss why real data ≠ textbook parabola