PATHFINDERS Stem Kit- Roman Ballista

Build the engine that powered Roman engineering.

• A WORKING REPLICA OF ROME'S TORSION ENGINE: Build a functioning scale model of the Roman ballista, the torsion-powered machine that defined ancient Roman engineering. Assemble every component by hand and see a 2,000-year-old mechanical design come to life on your workbench.
• REAL ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS: Explore torsion, stored elastic energy, tension, leverage and projectile motion as you build. Designed for STEM students, hobbyists and engineering enthusiasts ages 14 and up.
• PRECISION DIE-CUT FSC-CERTIFIED WOOD: Components are die-cut from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood for tight tolerances and clean joints. The finished model is a sturdy, display-worthy replica.
• ILLUSTRATED MANUAL, 1-2 HOUR BUILD: A fully illustrated manual takes you through the mechanism step by step and pairs each stage with the history and engineering behind it.
• FOR BUILDERS, MAKERS AND HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS: A hands-on project for high school and university students, adult hobbyists, model builders, woodworkers and anyone interested in ancient engineering. Ages 14+.

What you will explore: torsion mechanics and stored elastic energy; tension, leverage and force transfer; projectile motion and trajectory; classical Roman engineering and design; precision model assembly.

Designed for ages 14 and up. The finished model makes a handsome display piece for a desk, shelf or office.