Constructing Catapults

Subjects

• Science 
• Engineering
• Math

Time

• 60-90 minutes

Learning Objective/Goal:

• Understand the basic principles of projectiles.
• Apply engineering concepts to design and build a catapult that can travel the farthest or hit a target most accurately.
• Evaluate the design and performance of their catapults.

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks (10 per student)
• Rubber bands (5 per student)
• Plastic spoon
• Pom-poms or small marshmallows (for projectiles)
• Tape
• Scissors

Background

• Building catapults is a fun and educational activity that introduces students to the principles of physics, such as motion, and energy. By designing and testing their own catapults, students can explore these concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.

Activity

Introduction

• Introduce the activity and explain the basic principles of catapults, including how force and energy are used to launch projectiles.
• Discuss different types of catapults and their historical uses.
• Have the students begin thinking about/writing down the ideas they want to use
• Show them the materials that are available to use and the rules of the competition

Brainstorming:

• Show the students all the available materials as they brainstorm
• Remind students that they want their catapult to be stable and launch an object at an angle

Construction:

• Allow at least 30 minutes for students to build their catapults.
• Check on students frequently and ensure their catapult can function and have not made any serious mistakes that would impede their launch.
• Allow them to periodically test to ensure their design works

Final Launch:

• Have the students line up in the designated area, from a set line or point
• If launching simultaneously, make sure you can tell each catapult projectile from one other
• Record the distances
• Setup targets and have students fire catapults at targets (if measuring for accuracy)
• Optional: Have a small final reflection discussion on what students learned and how they did

Extra

Tips for Students:

• Focus on creating a stable base to ensure your catapult launches consistently.
• Make sure your launching mechanism is consistent if you are going for the accuracy challenge
• Make sure your catapults can move between launch and ready positions - don't permanently glue or tape these parts that need to move!

Tips for Teachers

• Think about what item you want students launching - Marbles may not be best for tile floors but soft, lighter objects may not go as far
• Ensure no one is in the danger zone while launching
• Be prepared for disputes on which object went further and have a way to settle these

Extensions:

• Make it a competition between students/groups on which goes the farthest
• Experiment with different projectiles to see which one fits each group catapult the best
• Have students find/make their own projectile to go with their catapult