SALINEVILLE, Ohio-Students at Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School engaged in a hands-on math project where they designed catapults under the guidance of teacher Kristin Hepner. Funded by a $2,500 grant from Williams Energy, Hepner’s eighth- and ninth-grade Algebra classes used supplies to build catapults, integrating real-life applications of quadratics into their learning.
The project involved creating miniature, mid-sized, and large catapults using materials like popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and hot glue. Students tested their designs with marbles, ping pong balls, and tennis balls, analyzing quadratic equations and projectile formulas. The project was well-received by students like Preston Pitts and Trenton Martin, who found it both educational and enjoyable. Hepner hopes to continue the project in future years with leftover materials from the grant.
