Caltrop

High school (ages 12+)
Safety & Emergency

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/caltrop

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary mechanism?A four-spiked tetrahedron designed to always present one upward-pointing spike
2. What is the historical primary targets?Soft hooves of horses, feet of camels, and elephants
3. What is a caltrop and how does it work?A caltrop is a small metal shape with four sharp spikes that always points one spike up. When it lands, that spike can poke into a foot or a tire, making it hard to walk or drive over.
4. Why did soldiers use caltrops against horses and war elephants?Horses and elephants have soft, padded feet that can be pierced by the sharp spikes. This can make them lame or scared, stopping their charge in battle.

Area Denial Weapon: A weapon or device designed to prevent or impede an enemy's access to or use of a specific area.
Pneumatic Tires: Tires that contain compressed air, providing cushioning and traction for vehicles.
Asymmetric Warfare: Conflict between belligerents whose relative military power differs significantly, or who use vastly different strategies and tactics.