Ready … aim … trebuchet! Students will compete in Bettendorf

Bettendorf High School students will compete with their peers from Pleasant Valley, and North Scott, Riverdale and Moline schools in a trebuchet contest Friday, April 19, a news release says.

Each team’s challenge will be to assure its trebuchet launches accurately and consistently. The trebuchets will toss large raw eggs at targets 75’, 100’ and 125’ away. Points will also be given for longest toss as well.

A point system has been calculated for different points awarded for closer ranges. The ultimate goal is to hit the bull’s-eye. Other points will be awarded for design presentations judged by Quad City Engineers. Beginning at 9 a.m. at Bettendorf High School, teams will test their trebuchet designs by tossing eggs.

Each of the 22-plus student teams will be given four shots at each target using raw large eggs, three of the four will be counted as scoring shots. Each team has 30 minutes to complete their effort. The scoring is bull’s eye -10 points, 10′ circle -8 points, 20′ circle -6 points, 30′ circle -3 points. Trophies will be awarded for the top three point-getters, most innovative design, as well as longest toss.

In addition to the event, teams will throw for distance after the target shots. Each team will have two chances for bragging rights of the longest throw of the day.

This event is free and open to the public. This is one of the three events sponsored by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council. The winner of the three events wins a $1,000 scholarship individually. The school wins a traveling trophy with the most points.

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