London Students Construct Record-Breaking Pumpkin Catapult

Two seventh-grade students from **Wortley Road Public School** in **London, Ontario**, have taken their annual school project to new heights by building a massive trebuchet designed to launch pumpkins. **Casper Desparois** and **Connor Schwartz** aim to break records not just in size but also in distance during their school’s upcoming pumpkin-smashing competition.

Having grown up watching older peers construct similar devices, the duo decided it was their turn to innovate. They enlisted the help of Connor’s father, **Dave Schwartz**, who recalls the moment Connor expressed enthusiasm for the project: “Connor came home and said, ‘Hey, let’s build a catapult!’ And I smiled, and we started.”

Over a span of three weeks, the team meticulously crafted their custom pumpkin hurling machine based on designs created by the boys. To enhance mobility, they mounted the trebuchet onto a garden trailer, allowing for easy transport and setup. Throughout the process, they embraced the scientific principles behind their creation. “We’re kind of learning about getting hands-on and geometry, weight physics, and all this other stuff,” Casper noted, highlighting the educational aspect of the project.

The excitement reached a peak during their initial launch attempt, where they aimed to see their 10-pound pumpkin soar through the air. Unfortunately, the first launch did not go as planned. A winch cable snapped, causing the pumpkin to launch sideways instead of upward. Dave acknowledged the challenges of engineering, stating, “I mean, things don’t work out. It’s trial and error.”

Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic. They have a chance to regroup and refine their design ahead of the competition scheduled for **October 5, 2023**. “We’re coming back. We’ve got a lot more pumpkins to launch and smash. So, Thursday will be the day,” Dave affirmed.

The boys are confident in their ability to succeed, and they are already contemplating the outcome. In the event that their launch does not meet expectations, they take comfort in knowing that every participant in the competition will receive a consolation prize. “My favourite pie is pumpkin,” Casper remarked, humorously contemplating the potential use of leftover pumpkins.

As the competition day approaches, the anticipation builds for Casper and Connor, who are not only looking to excel in their project but also to enjoy the community spirit that comes with it. The pumpkin catapult stands as a testament to their creativity and determination, ensuring that this year’s event at **Wortley Road Public School** will be one to remember.