Fairfax Collegiate

Military Engineering 5-6

Explore physics and engineering in a historical context by building models of medieval siege engines.

Students construct and operate classroom-safe miniature catapults, ballistae, onagers, trebuchets, and other ancient artillery engines. They learn the application of geometry and physics in their designs. For a final project, students participate in launch-distance competitions.

Lessons include engineering topics such as simple machines, tension, torque, two-dimensional kinematics, and the design process, as well as historical information about the invention of siege engines.

Summer 2022 Military Engineering 5-6 Class Sections

In-Person Locations

Session Dates Location Time
Session II 6/27/2022 - 7/8/2022 Tysons Afternoon
Session III 7/11/2022 - 7/22/2022 Ashburn Afternoon
Session IV 7/25/2022 - 8/5/2022 Reston Morning
Morning Class Times: 8:30am to 12:00pm
Afternoon Class Times: 12:30pm to 4:00pm
Instructor Colleen explains projection angles and how to build a catapult.
A student using hot glue to create a mini wooden catapult.
Almost finished building a catapult!
A student tests out his finished project.
Target practice!
A successful class proudly showing off their projects.
Summer 2022 Engineering Courses