Catapult launching device

What were catapults used for in early times? Are catapults used in today's time? How are they used? Is a catapult a representative of a simple machine? which one, how?

Team Challenge For this challenge your team of 2 is required to go through the design process and design and build a device to launch a foosball a controlled distance. Constraints; Device must sit in 2 foot by 2 foot area The device's height may not exceed 3 feet The device must launch a foosball consistently 5 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, and maximum distance (each team member has 3 attempts to launch foosball) Materials/ no limitations (no store bought device). Catapult launching device

Documents and model requirements (must be completed in this order); 1.Design Brief (due 1st day) 2.Thumbnail sketch (due 2nd day) 3.Detailed sketch (due 3rd day) 4.Solidworks drawing (due 4th day) 5.Finally, Your device. (due 7th day- Friday december 18,2015) Each teammate must complete each requirement except for your team's device.

Catapult Launching Device Grading Design Brief Thumbnail sketch Detailed sketch SolidWorks Drawing Device Accuracy 5’,10’, and 15’ Appearance (meets requirements) Quality (structurally sound, good building techniques) Team building participation