Physics Students Take Flight

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students at Boyd-Buchanan school catapulted their learning to new heights during the 20th Annual Physics Trebuchet and Catapult Competition on Thursday, October 9th.

The event challenged students to design, build, and test large-scale trebuchets and catapults capable of launching softballs more than 100 yards across the stadium field. 

Teams spent months preparing their machines as part of their physics coursework, applying lessons in mechanics, force, and trajectory.

Setup began at 8:00 a.m., with students and faculty assembling and testing their machines before lining them up on the field at 11:30. 

The official competition began at noon, drawing classmates, teachers, and community spectators to watch the projectiles soar.

The contest wrapped up around 12:30, with judges measuring distance and accuracy to determine the top-performing teams. 

Teachers and organizers said the event offered a hands-on way for students to apply physics principles while fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering skills.

This year’s competition marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which is organized annually by the school’s physics department and has become a celebrated tradition highlighting STEM learning in action.