Catapult constructed with popsicle sticks, ideal for STEM education and projects.
Are you looking for a fun and educational project to introduce your children or students to the world of engineering and physics? Look no further than building a popsicle stick catapult! This project is perfect for kids in grades 2-5 and covers essential engineering principles and simple physics concepts.
Supplies Needed
To build a popsicle stick catapult, you will need the following supplies:
- 4–7 popsicle sticks
- 1 plastic spoon (optional)
- 3 rubber bands
- Hot glue gun (optional for a stronger hold)
- Scrap piece of wood or sturdy cardboard (optional as a base)
- Plastic Easter eggs, fake eyeballs, or similar small lightweight objects to launch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the Base
- Stack 4 or 5 popsicle sticks and secure both ends tightly with rubber bands to form a flat, stable base.
- Build the Throwing Arm
- Take 2 popsicle sticks and stack them together. Place the plastic spoon at one end of this double stick stack (the spoon acts as a holder for your projectile).
- Secure the spoon to the sticks using hot glue or tightly with a rubber band.
- Assemble the Catapult Arm and Base Connection
- Wedge the double-stick spoon arm between the base stack at one end so one popsicle stick from the arm sticks at the bottom of the base stack.
- Secure this joint using a rubber band, forming a pivot point that allows the arm to move up and down while the base stays flat.
- Add Stability and Launch Support
- Use an additional popsicle stick or two to prop up or brace your catapult arm. You can glue or rubber-band these to the base at an angle so the throwing arm can rest against them before launching.
- Test and Adjust
- Place a plastic Easter egg or fake eyeball in the spoon holder.
- Push down on the free end of the arm (opposite the spoon) and release to launch the object.
- Adjust the tightness of rubber bands or position of the arm for optimal range.
- (Optional) Attach the base to a scrap wood or cardboard piece for more stability during launches.
This simple catapult works by storing potential energy in the flex of the spoon and popsicle sticks and releasing kinetic energy to fling lightweight objects. The spoon securely holds items like plastic eggs or eyeballs for safe launching.
Further Exploration
Once you've built your popsicle stick catapult, there are numerous ways to extend the project and continue learning. Some ideas include:
- Investigating how changing the launch angle of the catapult affects the distance the projectile travels.
- Experimenting with aiming techniques and discussing factors influencing accuracy.
- The history of catapults can be researched as a fun extension of the project.
- Exploring other design ideas for catapults, such as LEGO catapults, jumbo marshmallow catapults, pencil catapults, and spoon catapults.
- Challenging students to make a catapult that will launch a ping pong ball from one end of the table to another while clearing an obstacle.
- Testing different types of rubber bands to observe how the material affects the catapult's performance.
- Making holiday-themed catapults, such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter catapults.
- Encouraging students to follow the engineering design process.
With this popsicle stick catapult project, you'll not only have a blast building and launching your creations but also gain a better understanding of engineering principles and simple physics concepts. Give it a try today and foster a culture of experimentation and learning!
- This popsicle stick catapult project is a fun and educational introduction to engineering and physics for kids in grades 2-5.
- To build the catapult, supplies needed include popsicle sticks, a plastic spoon, rubber bands, a hot glue gun, optional base materials, and small lightweight objects for launching.
- The project includes step-by-step instructions for creating the base, building the throwing arm, assembling the catapult arm and base connection, adding stability and launch support, and testing and adjusting the catapult.
- The catapult works by storing potential energy in the flex of the spoon and popsicle sticks and releasing kinetic energy to fling lightweight objects.
- After building the catapult, numerous activities can be explored for further learning, such as changing launch angles, experimenting with aiming techniques, researching catapult history, designing new catapults, creating holiday-themed catapults, following the engineering design process, and testing different types of rubber bands.
- Engaging in these activities not only provides fun but also fosters a better understanding of engineering principles and simple physics concepts.
- With this project, kids can appreciate the role of math, technology, art, and science in engineering and self-development, contributing to effectiveSTEM education.
- The learning opportunities offered by this popsicle stick catapult project make it a valuable addition to any classroom or home learning environment.
- Consider incorporating printables, games, or supplementary resources to enhance the learning and fun experience for the kids.
