Art of the Catapult

Art of the Catapult

Author: William Gurstelle

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Published: 2004-07-01

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 1569766770

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Whether playing at defending their own castle or simply chucking pumpkins over a fence, wannabe marauders and tinkerers will become fast acquainted with Ludgar, the War Wolf, Ill Neighbor, Cabulus, and the Wild Donkey—ancient artillery devices known commonly as catapults. Building these simple yet sophisticated machines introduces fundamentals of math and physics using levers, force, torsion, tension, and traction. Instructions and diagrams illustrate how to build seven authentic working model catapults, including an early Greek ballista, a Roman onager, and the apex of catapult technology, the English trebuchet. Additional projects include learning how to lash and make rope and how to construct and use a hand sling and a staff sling. The colorful history of siege warfare is explored through the stories of Alexander the Great and his battle of Tyre; Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Third Crusade; pirate-turned-soldier John Crabbe and his ship-mounted catapults; and Edward I of England and his battle against the Scots at Stirling Castle.


The Big Book of Catapult and Trebuchet Plans!

The Big Book of Catapult and Trebuchet Plans!

Author: Ron L. Toms

Publisher:

Published: 2010-12

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 9780977649730

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This text is a compilation of step-by-step instructions for how to build nine different types of catapults and trebuchets. Each set of instructions includes dimensional drawings of all wooden parts, lists of required hardware and sources, an abundance of photos, diagrams, and detailed descriptions of the assembly process.


Catapult

Catapult

Author: Jim Paul

Publisher:

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13:

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An " enormously entertaining" (Smithsonian), " clever, subtle, and adroit" account (Wall Street Journal) of how the author and his friend constructed a medieval siege engine in a San Francisco backyard. " So funny that I could not put it down" (Los Angeles Times).


Defending Your Castle

Defending Your Castle

Author: William Gurstelle

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Published: 2014-06-01

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 1613746822

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A man’s home is his castle, or so the saying goes, but could it withstand an attack by Attila and the Huns, Ragnar and the Vikings, Alexander and the Greeks, Genghis Khan and the Mongols, or Tamerlane and the Tartars? Backyard Ballistics author William Gurstelle poses this fascinating question to modern-day garage warriors and shows them how to build an arsenal of ancient artillery and fortifications aimed at withstanding these invading hordes. Each chapter introduces a new bad actor in the history of warfare, details his conquests, and features weapons and fortifications to defend against him and his minions. Clear step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photographs show how to build a dozen projects, including “Da Vinci’s Catapult,” “Carpini’s Crossbow,” a “Crusader-Proof Moat,” “Alexander’s Tortoise,” and the “Cheval-de-frise.” With a strong emphasis on safety, the book also gives tips on troubleshooting, explains the physics behind many of the projects, and shows where to buy the materials. By the time they’ve reached the last page, at-home defenders everywhere will have succeeded in creating a fully fortified home.


How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts

How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts

Author: David Stiles

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2023-09-21

Total Pages: 97

ISBN-13: 1493082590

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A treehouse is a wonderful idea, but how in the name of creation do you actually build one? In this delightfully illustrated handbook, David Stiles, the unofficial world grandmaster of the treehouse, shows how. Not assuming anything about the treehouse builder, Stiles starts with the basics: how to nail, how to buy wood, what kind of screws and nails to use. Then it's on to an A-frame design so simple that it can be built in a weekend out of four sheets of plywood, followed by lean-tos, a tree hut, and a Tarzan-style jungle hideaway. There are also forts of every description, including a 21-foot-tall lookout tower modeled on one George Washington built to keep an eye on the redcoats. Stiles also adds a design for a snowball catapult, an igloo and even a Nerf-loaded cannon. Written for children, with an adult peeking over their shoulder, Stiles's TREEHOUSES, HUTS, & FORTS is a dreamer's handbook, offering practical results.


Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes

Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes

Author: Curt Gabrielson

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Published: 2008-02-01

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1613742967

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Kids will learn how things they encounter every day operate by building their own models with this hands-on activity book. Projects include building a working model of the human hand's muscles, bones, and tendons using drinking straws, tape, and string; using a pair of two-liter bottles and a length of rubber tubing to learn how a toilet flushes; and discovering how musical instruments make sounds by fashioning a harmonica, saxophone, drum, flute, or oboe. All devices are designed to use recycled or nearly free materials and common tools. Kids are encouraged to modify and improve the designs, or create an entirely new device using the concepts explored. Each project includes materials and tools lists, step-by-step instructions with photographs, a summary of the science concept demonstrated, and follow-up questions to gauge student understanding for use in the classroom.


Whoosh Boom Splat

Whoosh Boom Splat

Author: William Gurstelle

Publisher: Potter Style

Published: 2010-04-14

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 030749876X

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These are the homemade machines that you’ve dreamed of building, from the high-voltage Night Lighter 36 spud gun to the Jam Jar Jet, the Marshmallow Shooter, and the Yagua Blowgun. Including detailed diagrams and supply lists, Gurstelle’s simple, step-by-step instructions help workshop warriors at any skill level achieve impressively powerful results. With Whoosh Boom Splat, you can build: - The Jam Jar Jet—the simple pulse jet engine that roars - The Elastic Zip Cannon—a membrane-powered shooter that packs a wallop - The Mechanical Toe—a bungee-powered kicking machine - The Vortex Launcher—a projectile shooter that uses air bullets for ammunition - The Clothespin Snap Shooter—the PG-17 version of a clothespin gun that fires fiery projectiles - The Architronito—the steam-powered cannon conceived by Leonardo da Vinci And many more! In addition to learning how to make these cool gadgets, you’ll find sections packed with information on what makes each machine unique. Gurstelle describes the machine’s historical origins as only he can: with verve, fun, and the sort of quirky details his legions of fans love. Whoosh Boom Splat is a must-have for every extreme tinkerer.


The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

Author: Holly Homer

Publisher: Page Street Publishing

Published: 2016-04-19

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 1624141358

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Perform Mind-Blowing Science Experiments at Home! You’ll have the time of your life conducting these incredible, wacky and fun experiments with your parents, teachers, babysitters and other adults. You’ll investigate, answer your questions and expand your knowledge using everyday household items. The Quirky Mommas from the wildly popular Kids Activities Blog and authors of the bestselling 101 Kids Activities That Are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! have done it again with this book of ridiculously amazing, simple science experiments. You can do things both indoors and outdoors. The handy mess meter, preparation times and notes on the level of supervision will keep your parents happy, and you safe. Experimenting is really fun, and you will have a blast being a scientist! You will be so entertained, you might not notice you’re also learning important things about the world around you. Some experiments to master: - Balloon-Powered Car - Burst Soap Clou - CD Hovercraft - Creeping Ink - Bendy Bones - Electromagnet - Paper Helicopters - Unbreakable Bubbles Now put on your lab coat and let’s get experimenting!