Preparations are underway for the Punkin’ Chunkin’ event happening November 3rd.
The North Idaho College Physics and Engineering Club attends weekly build sessions at Gizmo to refurbish the trebuchet for the yearly event. Gizmo provides a maker space for this STEM club with numerous tools and equipment for construction and maintenance of the structure.
Club members Madeleine Morgan, the secretary, and Anika Labelle spoke of how the club inspired them to switch their previous majors to chemistry, a field they will continue to study. Many chemistry students go on to study chemical engineering and design chemical manufacturing processes.
David Bozinov, the club president, said, “Our club offers members the invaluable experience of translating theoretical knowledge into tangible, real-world applications.”
Most of the club members were initially offered extra credit to participate in club activities. They continued to attend meetings and work on projects, becoming more and more interested in what the club had to offer.
Several members said they found like-minded individuals in the club who were warm and welcoming, and that anyone could join whether or not they were physics or engineering majors.
A trebuchet is a type of catapult with a long arm that uses leverage to launch heavy objects long distances. It has been used in warfare since ancient times and was popular during the Middle Ages.
Morgan explained that this type of trebuchet uses a sling to hold the object, in this case a pumpkin, which is launched several hundred feet.
The structure rests in a field on the NIC campus where it has been since last year. Bozinov said that he would like to see the trebuchet stored in a place with better security and better accessibility.
Part of the adventure to assess the condition of the trebuchet included formulating a plan to move it. The trebuchet lacks wheels, and last year, moving was a challenge as the dolly wheels became stuck in the mud. The students brainstormed possible ideas for collaboration with other clubs or organizations to help solve the mobility difficulties.
The Physics and Engineering Club welcomes new members, and volunteers who want to participate in the Punkin’ Chunkin’ event.
Former club members still volunteer each year to help new students. “Even though some are offsite, they support our club remotely, offering guidance and expertise where needed,” Bozinov said.
