How to Make a Simple Catapult Made Out of Popsicle Sticks

Catapults are one of the most popular STEM projects that kids love, and for good reason. They're easy to make, fun to use, and provide hours of entertainment. In this article, we'll show you how to make a simple catapult made out of popsicle sticks.

Materials Needed:

* 10-12 popsicle sticks

* Glue or hot glue gun

* Ruler or straightedge

* Pencil or marker

* Tape measure or ruler

* Small object to test the catapult (such as a marshmallow or a small toy)

Instructions:

1. Start by gluing the popsicle sticks together in a 'V' shape, with one end of each stick touching and the other ends spread apart. This will form the base of your catapult.

2. Next, glue two more popsicle sticks across the top of the 'V' shape, perpendicular to the base. These sticks should be evenly spaced and should form the arms of your catapult.

3. Take a ruler or straightedge and draw a line along the center of each arm, from one end to the other. This will help you determine where to place the launchpad (the small object that launches the projectile).

4. Cut a small notch in the top of each arm, just above the launchpad line. This notch should be deep enough to hold the launchpad securely.

5. Glue the launchpad into place, making sure it's centered and secure.

6. To test your catapult, simply place a small object (such as a marshmallow or a small toy) on the launchpad and pull back the arms slowly. When you release the arms, the projectile should launch across the room.

Tips and Variations:

* Use different types of materials for the catapult's components to see how they affect its performance.

* Add more popsicle sticks to make the catapult larger or more complex.

* Experiment with different launchpads and projectiles to see what works best.

* Create a ramp or inclined plane to help the projectile launch further.

Making a simple catapult made out of popsicle sticks is a fun and easy STEM project that kids love. With just a few simple materials, you can create a functional catapult that will provide hours of entertainment. So why not give it a try? With a little creativity and experimentation, you can build your own simple catapult and start launching projectiles across the room!

Simple catapult made out of popsicle sticks