The Wow We Catapult / Trebuchet kit (SP_23) is a classic Technology / PAT mechanisms project — learners build a wooden siege engine and explore stored energy, levers, and projectile motion in a safe classroom model.
This guide covers the classroom idea, how to plan the build, and where to buy the kit in South Africa.
What this project teaches
• Energy storage and release (elastic / counterweight ideas depending on your build)
• Levers and mechanical advantage
• Fair testing: angle, release, and range
• Design–make–evaluate skills for PAT write-ups
Real catapults and trebuchets were historical weapons. This school kit is a safe wooden classroom model — never aim at people or animals, and use soft lightweight projectiles only if your instructions allow.
Kit facts (Wow We SP_23)
• Product: Catapult | Trebuchet School Project Kit (SP_23)
• Made in South Africa by Wow We
• Shop: https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-catapult-trebuchet-sp_23
• Teachers hub: https://www.wowwe.co.za/pages/for-teachers-caps-pat-school-project-kits
Check the live product page for current price, stock, and what’s in the box.
What you may need besides the kit
• Wood glue (and drying time)
• Soft lightweight test projectiles only if instructions allow (cotton ball / crumpled paper)
• Ruler / tape for measuring range in a fair test
• Optional paint for the finished model
Suggested classroom plan
1. Intro: difference between catapult-style and trebuchet-style energy storage
2. Dry-fit frame and throwing arm; check pivot points
3. Assemble structure; let glue dry fully before tension or load
4. Set a safe test zone; mark a launch line
5. Fair test: change one variable (angle or release) and record range
6. PAT write-up: labelled diagram, method, results, improvements
Common mistakes
• Testing before glue joints are fully set
• Over-tightening the pivot so the arm binds
• Using hard or heavy projectiles
• Changing several variables at once so results are unclear
Related Wow We kits
• Grain Crusher (gears/mechanisms): https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-grain-crusher-sp_17
• Rubber Band Powered Car: https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-rubber-band-powered-car-sp_24
• Wind Powered Car: https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-wind-powered-car-sp_20
Buy the kit
https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-catapult-trebuchet-sp_23
School orders: WhatsApp +27 81 544 3750
All school kits: https://www.wowwe.co.za/collections/school-project-kits
FAQ: https://www.wowwe.co.za/pages/wow-we-faq-school-kits-models-shipping
Wow We is a South African maker of laser-cut STEM kits — not affiliated with woww.co.za or WowWee.
