CATAPULT CHALLENGE

American cartoonist Rube Goldberg often depicted devices that performed simple tasks in indirect, convoluted manners. As a result, the term “Rube Goldberg machine” is used today to describe a chain-reaction type machine, or contraption, intentionally designed to perform a simple task in an indirect, and often overly-complicated manner.

Catapult Challenge starts off with an ice-breaking activity to get everyone into the creative and competitive frames of mind.

With instructions and pre-determined supplies in hand, teams are sent off to multitask, drawing upon their best collaborate efforts, and in a limited amount of time, create their individual catapults, in the style of Rube Goldberg.

While “fun” is prevalent throughout, the pressure is on as teams must work together, under tight deadlines, drawing on, and showcasing, its members’ strengths.

When the whistle blows, indicating that the “build” time is finished, Phase One of the testing begins. In this section of the experience, the catapults launch objects, earning points for distance.

After a few minor adjustments, if needed, Phase Two of the testing begins. Here, teams earn points when their catapults’ launchings are scored for accuracy, as well as distance.

In order to ensure that all team members experience the various thrills of this challenge, the various roles and responsibilities are rotated throughout, keeping everyone on their toes.

We believe that no team challenge is complete without some sort of live publicity presentation highlighting the team’s hard work, spirit, and collaboration. Your participants create and perform this presentation for their colleagues, often resulting in great laughs and thunderous applause for all.