Introduction: Mini Catapult Projects for Kids

By 30+ STEM Projects for Kids
About: I'm a writer, maker, and educator who's on a mission to better the world through hands-on engineering projects. Check out my work: www.stem-inventions.com/

Catapults - a classic and exciting engineering project that introduces students to fundamental ideas in physics and engineering like energy transformation, trajectory, and structural strength.

You can find the lesson plan, 1-page project sheet, and more project ideas at STEM-Inventions.com


Step 1: Materials

The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions.

  1. Craft sticks
  2. Craft cubes (Bulk pack)
  3. Craft cubes with hole
  4. 1/8" dowels
  5. Small cup
  6. Rubber bands
  7. Hot glue with safety nozzle
  8. Hot glue sticks
  9. Masking Tape (Dispenser)

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Step 2: Class 3 Catapult

To fire:

  • Load the projectile
  • Firmly hold down the front of the catapult
  • Pinch the cube under the basket and pull down, then release


Step 3: Class 1 Catapult

To fire:

  • Load the projectile
  • Hold down the base from inside the support structure
  • Firmly and quickly press on the lever. Do not strike the lever with a fist or other object or the hinge may break


Step 4: Slingshot

To fire:

  • Load the projectile
  • Firmly hold the front of the slingshot, or grasp the front of the slingshot as shown in the video
  • Pull back on the sling and release


Step 5: Advanced Ideas

A straightforward advancement of the Catapult project is to add two baskets instead of one.

A wacky design, dubbed the Confused Catapult, incorporates two catapult arms onto one frame. Making catapult arms of different lengths allows the user to enjoy a wider range of trajectory options.