Hawaiian Roll Competition

TMS PRESS Pumpkin Chunkin 

Fall is here, and Temecula Middle School’s annual Hawaiian Roll Chunkin’ competition is here! In this competition you make a catapult device and launch a hawaiian roll to compete against other students and  see who’s contraption can launch it the furthest.

Competition Guidelines:

The objective of the competition is to design a device that will launch a Hawaiian roll across the bus loop. 

• Your device can be powered by torsion, tension, centrifugal, or counterbalance. 
• Types of devices include trebuchet, ballista, and catapult
• You must build your device. It can not be store bought. 
• If you use a kit please let your teacher know.  
• You are encouraged to get help from your family. 
• You will be given a Hawaiian roll at launch time, no alterations allowed
• If your device seems unsafe, you will not be allowed to launch

How to get started using the engineering design process:

The design process is multi-step and cyclic, just like the scientific process.Work with your family to ask how you can launch a roll, research online and brainstorm possible ideas, design a step by step plan, gather supplies and build your catapult, evaluate and refine your design.

The 3 design types:

Trebuchet

Catapult

Ballista

Q and A with Mrs. Calverly:

How many years has the competition been going on for?

10 Years

How many attempts do people have for their contraptions?

2 attempts

Have any of your students won the competition?

Yes, last year Guy won.

What tips do you have for people building their contraptions?

Get help from your family, and use the engineer design process.

How many Hawaiian rolls get launched every year?

Our best year had 100 entries so around 50 because we reuse them. Some people have a concern for waste so we also put the rolls in the yard afterwards for the birds.

Is there anything else you would like for people to know about the competition?

It’s on December 4th.

Don’t forget to turn in your contraptions by December 3rd Bobcats! Remember to work with your family, follow the guidelines, and most importantly have fun!