DIY Mini Catapult

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Ages: 8-12

Objective: Engage children in hands-on experimentation with basic engineering principles by constructing a mini catapult and exploring concepts such as force, motion, and trajectory.

Materials Needed:

  1. Craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
  2. Rubber bands (assorted sizes)
  3. Plastic spoon
  4. Small object for launching (such as a cotton ball, marshmallow, or small ball of foil)
  5. Hot glue gun or white glue
  6. Scissors
  7. Optional: Paint, markers, or stickers for decorating

Procedure:

  1. Begin by laying out the craft sticks on a flat surface. You will need four craft sticks for the base and three craft sticks for the arm of the catapult.

  2. Take two craft sticks and lay them parallel to each other, approximately 2-3 inches apart. These will form the base of the catapult.

  3. Stack two more craft sticks on top of the base sticks, perpendicular to the base sticks. Use hot glue or white glue to secure the stacked sticks together. This will create a stable base for the catapult.

  4. Take one craft stick and lay it horizontally across the top of the stacked sticks. This will be the arm of the catapult.

  5. Use rubber bands to secure the arm to the base sticks. Wrap a rubber band around one end of the arm and one end of the base sticks. Repeat on the other side of the arm.

  6. Attach the plastic spoon to the end of the arm using a rubber band. Make sure the spoon is facing outward, away from the base of the catapult.

  7. Test the catapult by placing a small object, such as a cotton ball or marshmallow, in the spoon and pulling back on the arm. Release the arm to launch the object.

  8. Experiment with different arm positions and amounts of force to observe how they affect the distance and trajectory of the launched object.

  9. Optional: Decorate the catapult with paint, markers, or stickers to personalize it.

Explanation:

  • The catapult works by storing potential energy in the arm when it is pulled back and then releasing that energy to launch the object when the arm is released.
  • The force applied to the arm causes it to pivot around the base, propelling the object forward.

Extensions:

  1. Challenge children to modify their catapult designs to launch objects farther or with more accuracy.
  2. Explore different materials for constructing the catapult, such as wooden dowels, plastic spoons, or rubber bands of varying thicknesses.
  3. Introduce the concept of angles and trajectories by experimenting with launching objects at different angles.
  4. Discuss the historical significance of catapults and their use in warfare and engineering.
  5. Host a mini catapult competition to see whose design can launch an object the farthest or most accurately.

Safety Note:

  • Use caution when handling hot glue guns or scissors, and ensure adult supervision is provided. Remind participants not to launch objects at people or animals.

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