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Catapults are ancient weapons created to throw projectiles further than a person could by themselves. These weapons work like levers with the base acting as the fulcrum for the arm to pivot off of. You can make a small version of a catapult using many common household items. This is a fun science and engineering project for kids of all ages to understand simple machines.
Steps
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Gather the items needed to build your catapult. Making a popsicle stick catapult requires a few supplies.
- 7 popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- A bottle cap from a gallon jug (milk jug)
- Hot glue gun
- Small objects to launch like cotton balls or marshmallows
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Create the base of the catapult. Stack 5 popsicle sticks on top of each other, making sure they are neatly stacked. Use a rubber band on each end of the stacks to secure the sticks.Advertisement -
Make the arm with the remaining two popsicle sticks. Stack the two sticks on top of each other and secure them on one end with a rubber band. Make sure the rubber band is wrapped at the very end of the sticks. [1] X Research source
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Connect the arm to the base. Gently pull apart the ends of the sticks that are not held together by the rubber band, and slide the 5 stick base in between them, so that it sits perpendicular to the arm.
- Slide the five sticks between the two that are held together with the rubber until they are about one half inch away from the rubber band holding the sticks of the arm together.
- The base becomes the pivot point for the catapult arm.
- The two sticks will be separated in a "V" shape. Choose one stick to be the arm of the catapult and the other will rest on the ground with the five-stick stack as stable base.
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Secure the arm to the base with another rubber band. Wrap a rubber band around the arm and base.
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Glue the bottle cap on. Use the hot glue gun to attach the bottle cap to the arm of the catapult. Glue the cap to the end of the popsicle stick as a basket to hold your projectile. [2] X Research source
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Try out your catapult. Place a projectile in the bottle cap to be launched. Gently pull back the arm of the catapult while holding the base for stabilization. Let go of the arm and the projectile will launch into the air.
- Angle the catapult to shoot in different directions.
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Collect your supplies. To make a handheld catapult using a plastic spoon, you need to gather a few supplies. [3] X Research source
- Plastic spoon
- Old fashioned clothespin (clothespin with a round top)
- Electrical tape
- Glue gun
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Glue the spoon to the clothespin. Hold the clothespin open, and squeeze hot glue in between the two prongs of the clothespin. Insert the handle end of the spoon in between the two prongs and into the glue. Hold firmly for 30 seconds for the glue to set.
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Tape the clothespin. Wrap electrical tape around the outside of the clothespin where the spoon attaches. This will give the catapult some extra support.
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Use your catapult. You can launch small items like marshmallows or pom poms with your catapult. Hold your catapult with the clothespin side down and the spoon end up. Put the projectile in the spoon, gently bend it back, and launch. [4] X Research source
- Try setting up a bucket or target to aim at.
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Collect your supplies to build your catapult. Gather the items you need before you try to construct your catapult.
- A styrofoam or paper bowl
- Popsicle sticks
- Plastic spoon
- Marshmallows
- Tape
- Scissors
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Insert a popsicle stick through the sides of the bowl. Cut a small slit on opposite sides of the bowl. Slide a popsicle stick all the way through the bowl. The popsicle stick will help anchor the arm of your catapult and provide leverage.
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Cut a small slit in the bottom of your bowl. Turn the bowl upside down and cut a small slit in the bottom of the bowl. Cut the slit about one inch to the side of the popsicle stick that is running through the bowl.
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Slide a popsicle stick through the slit in the bottom of the bowl. Angle the stick so that the end that is inside the bowl goes under the stick that runs through the bowl.
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Tape the popsicle sticks to the bowl. Reinforce the cuts you made in the bowl with tape. Secure the popsicle sticks to the bowl with the tape.
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Create a throwing arm for your catapult. Tape a plastic spoon to the end of the popsicle stick coming out of the bottom of the bowl.
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Launch a marshmallow. Place a marshmallow in the end of the spoon. Hold the bowl down on the table. Pull the popsicle stick back and let it snap forward. Watch your marshmallow fly!
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow far will this mini catapult shoot?Community AnswerProbably no more than 4-5 feet at the most, but you could build a stronger catapult that might shoot farther.
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QuestionDo i have to launch a marshmallow, or can I use something else?Amyah McDougaldCommunity AnswerYou can use anything that you want. I would use something lightweight so it doesn't break the catapult.
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QuestionDoes it work with candy?Community AnswerSmall candies, such as M+Ms or Skittles, will be perfect. Gumdrops may work too.
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Tips
- Double up your rubber bands for a more secure catapult.Thanks
- Try using different projectiles to see which will launch the farthest. Some types of projectiles to try include mini marshmallows, pom-poms, cotton balls, balls of paper, or dry beans.Thanks
- Decorate your catapult by painting it or adding stickers to make it unique.Thanks
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Warnings
- Using a hot glue gun and a sharp knife should only be done by a responsible adult. These can cause injury if used irresponsibly.Thanks
- If a mini catapult is pulled back too hard, it might break, resulting in splintered wood or sharp plastic shards, so use caution when launching your catapult.Thanks
- Do not use a catapult to shoot hard things at people or animals. This can result in injury.Thanks
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References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
You can make your own fun mini catapult with some basic crafts supplies. Gather 7 popsicle sticks, a pack of rubber bands, a large bottle cap, and glue. Once you’ve got everything you need, stack 5 of the sticks on top of each other and wrap a rubber band around each end. Then, tie the other 2 sticks together at one end with a rubber band. Slide the 5 sticks halfway between the other 2 and wrap another 2 rubber bands around the intersection to make your catapult base. After that, glue your bottle cap onto the raised end of the popsicle stick. To use your catapult, place small projectiles in the bottle cap, gently pull back the stick with the cap on, and release it. For more tips, including how to make a handheld catapult with a plastic spoon, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "It was very demonstrative, and it works!! Despite the mini grubby little hands that have to touch it! Ours shot approximately 10-15 feet and the kids had a blast making them and shooting marshmallows at each other, as we tried to catch them. " ..." more
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"It was very demonstrative, and it works!! Despite the mini grubby little hands that have to touch it! Ours shot approximately 10-15 feet and the kids had a blast making them and shooting marshmallows at each other, as we tried to catch them. "
..."
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"Grandson's project, so grandma to the rescue and thanks to you I was able to help him make his. We changed a few things to make it his own and he was really excited to show his class."
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