Introduction: Catapult

By iTeach Maker Bus
About: The KSU Maker Bus Project is the result of our idea that students must use their imagination and intelligence to design something and then they must have the opportunity to fulfill those designs using tools a…

A catapult is a type of lever that uses a fulcrum to launch a projectile. There are many types of levers but in order to launch something, the catapult needs a fulcrum. A fulcrum is a pivot point or the point on which the lever turns to lift something. In this instance, the more force applied to the fulcrum, the further an object will travel.

Supplies

  • 2 popsicle sticks
  • 2 rubber bands
  • Wedge material (paper, cork, plastic, etc)
  • Holder (bottle cap, cardboard, aluminum foil, etc.)

Step 1: Combine

Use the rubber bands to tightly bind 2 popsicle sticks at one end.

Step 2: Wedge

Place a wedge material as close as you can in between popsicle sticks to the rubber band end. Your wedge material can be a piece of paper, a piece of plastic, or a piece of rubber. Experiment with different materials!

Step 3: Holder

Create and attach your holder to the non- rubber band end. Your holder can be made a bottle cap, cardboard, or plastic.

Step 4: Launch!

Place a projectile in your holder, press down and release!