Thames & Kosmos Catapult Engineering STEM Maker Kit – Build 6 Medieval Machines

Explore physics through hands-on play with a kit inspired by medieval engineering. Thames & Kosmos brings six functional siege models to life, including catapults, trebuchets, and launchers, so curious minds can study force, energy, motion, and trajectory in a tactile way. Safe, tactile, and engaging, the set invites experimentation without the guesswork, offering a window into how simple machines work together to push, pull, and propel objects.

The kit centers on safe, kid-friendly projectiles—soft foam balls and foam-tipped darts—designed to be used only with the included parts. The 32-page, full-color manual guides builders step by step, pairing clear assembly instructions with guided experiments that illustrate core physics and engineering concepts. This combination of practical building and thoughtful experimentation helps turning curious questions into observable outcomes.

What’s inside

• Six models to assemble: crossbow, reverse-draw crossbow, onager, catapult, trebuchet, and ballista
• Colorful 32-page manual with illustrated instructions and experiments
• Safety-minded design, including soft foam balls and foam-tipped projectiles
• All components built to fit only the included projectiles
• Bonus items: cardboard target blocks and a castle box you can color and decorate

Learning through play

Use these siege devices to explore physical concepts in a concrete, memorable way. You can observe how force is stored and released, how energy influences motion, and how different launch angles affect trajectory. Each model provides unique angles for inquiry, so learners can form hypotheses, test them, and compare results across devices.

• Force, energy storage and release
• Motion, range, and trajectory
• Levers, pivots, and mechanical advantage
• Aiming precision and measurement through hands-on tests

Why this kit fits home, school, and clubs

The set blends tangible play with science fundamentals, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving in a safe, approachable way. The cardboard castle and test blocks turn experiments into a playful scene, ideal for individual challenges or small-group activities. It offers a flexible STEM experience focused on exploration and discovery, presenting possibilities for learning rather than guarantees, and inviting learners to observe, hypothesize, and refine their understanding of mechanical physics.