Calculus Catapult Project - Derivatives and Extrema Hands On Activity

This Calculus catapult project will engage students and help them apply their derivative knowledge to a real-world scenario! Students will create a catapult and launch an item. They will use their derivative knowledge to determine the maximum height of their launched item!

Need a change from just calculating derivatives all day??

• This catapult project has students build their own catapult to launch a paper ball and then measure time and distance. Using that alone, they will calculate the maximum height through derivatives. They will analyze velocities as well as accelerations.
• I had students bring in their own supplies so that there was a variety of catapults and they didn't all look the same. I have done this project several times now and the kids LOVE it!
• If you don't want to use class time to create the catapults, you can also have them do that part at home!
• I have my students create a presentation or video to showcase their findings.

What's Included:

• Information Sheet
• Checklist of steps/discussion points
• Recording sheet for students to write down data and take notes
• Rubric
• All project details are editable with Microsoft PowerPoint.
• A ready to go PDF version is also included.

You might also like these resources...

• Calculus Google Forms Assessments
• Calculus Worksheet Bundle
• Review of Graphs and Equations Digital Activity

*************************************************************************************

Did you know? You can earn FREE TpT money by leaving reviews on any paid resources! You will see the balance show up the next time you check out!