Workshops

Kids ages 7–12 build their own desktop trebuchet, test it, change one thing at a time, and take it home. Free, with all materials provided.

What kids do

  • Build a desktop trebuchet from a kit (3D-printed parts, dowels and string).
  • Launch soft ammo only: ping-pong balls, bean bags and pom-poms.
  • Experiment: change the counterweight, the sling length or the release, one thing at a time, and measure what happens.
  • Learn the story of siege engines and the physics behind them: levers, stored energy and the arc of a launch.
  • Take it home and show the family.

There are no tests and no grades. Everyone wears safety glasses.

Labeled side view of a trebuchet, cocked and ready to fire: frame and base, axle, throwing arm, counterweight, sling and trigger pin
Ready to fire: when the trigger pin is pulled, the counterweight falls, the long arm swings up, and the sling whips the projectile forward.

Next workshops

Our first public workshops will be at the Milne Public Library in Williamstown, in its Studio 1095 makerspace, during February vacation week 2027. We’re setting the days and times with the library now. Registration will be through the library’s online calendar, and each session is about 90 minutes for up to 12–15 kids.

Get on the list and we’ll tell you as soon as registration opens.

For teachers and librarians

Our one-time 90-minute workshop plan, and a four-session course for schools, are on the lesson plans page. We’ve proposed a January course at Williamstown Elementary through Williams College’s Adventures in Learning program (which may pause this year) and a February–March course at Pine Cobble School.

Want a workshop at your school, library or camp? Email info@berkshiretrebuchet.org. We bring the materials.

Get on the list

We’ll email you when registration for the February workshops opens.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
I'd like to hear about