Arduino-Programmed Catapult for Oblique Launch Study

This work aims to build an Arduino-controlled catapult that can launch objects at different angles and distances, as well as providing a practical environment for studying oblique launching. A didactic sequence consisting of 18 hours of lessons is presented, with an innovative proposal for teaching mathematics and physics in high school: the use of programming and robotics concepts to study oblique launching. The step-by-step construction of a specific catapult model without programming or automation is presented. Basic concepts of electronics and programming are covered through interactive simulations of three platforms: PheT Interactive Simulations, TinkeraCad and the Arduino integrated development environment. It also describes a roadmap for programming and automation. The proposal aims to introduce the concept of oblique launching in a practical and fun way. During the course of the lessons, launches are made, data is collected such as launch angle and distance reached by the projectile, and the results obtained are analyzed.