Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Building The Medieval Trebuchet: Assembling A Half-Scale Historical Machine, Daniel Bertrand

Research on Capitol Hill

In the Middle Ages, armies built trebuchets to destroy enemy castles. The trebuchet is a type of catapult that uses a falling counterweight to throw projectiles.

Many trebuchets were huge machines over 60 feet tall and their construction was complex. The methods used to erect a trebuchet in history are not widely known.

My Research Question: How were trebuchets designed and assembled in the Middle Ages?

Through experimental history, I used primary sources to design a trebuchet. This machine is half-scale: 30 feet tall.

I built this trebuchet with medieval techniques, assembled it with an ancient type of crane hoist, …

Recent Educational Trends Prove Detrimental To Society, Alison Fabricius-Gardner

Research on Capitol Hill

Education is key to building a strong society. Political leaders throughout the centuries realized that tailoring education in specific ways would bring specific results. The education system develops future members of society impacting civic engagement and the work force, both of which are political.

This research identifies historical educational trends, both what political leaders desired and how they implemented policy to reach those goals. It also looks at the give and take between political goal and societal reception.

Lastly this research shows how these changing trends impact students in the classroom and how they are prepared for the work force …