Step Five – Prepare for accuracy and distance competition. Step Four – Retest and re-evaluate device. Figure out a way to strengthen these areas, making a better device Step Two – Decide on a design and build it. As you sketch, new ideas will come to you…add them on! Consider a method of cushioning the devise (bring it to a stop) so it does not self destruct. Learn from your first design and then re-engineer it for improved performance. Remember to allow for easy rubber band attachment. Requirements: Marshmallow must go at least 5 feet, and be as accurate as possible (close to the target). In this activity, you will build a lever that will move the load, which is the marshmallow. The distance from the load to the fulcrum is called the effort arm. The object that one is trying to move is called the load. The object that does not move is called the fulcrum. A lever consists of a plank that is free at both ends, and a steady object on which the plank can rest. The lever is one of these simple machines. There are six simple machines for performing work. People exert this force to move objects from one place to another. When you push or pull on an object, you are exerting a force. Purpose/Problem: You are to design and create a catapult-like device that will launch a marshmallow at least 5 feet forward with accuracy.Ĭatapult – An ancient weapon for throwing large stones, burning debris, etc. ![]() Ready, Aim, Fire!!! Popsicle Stick Catapult It comes with a full outline and rubric and it’s Free. If you would like something for older students, please click here to download my Physics Popsicle Stick Catapult Lab Activity. Shown below is a great activity for younger grades. The Catapult is great for all ages.Ī colleague who has used this activity sent me her lab, if you’re interested, please have a look at the activity as it would really help to get your kids engaged and using their hands! Please check her out on Pinterest for more great ideas – Other good options are foam marshmallows and foam popper balls.How great would this be as an inquiry project, something to introduce projectile motion, or just as a really cool activity in the classroom. The cube shape also prevents it from rolling under furniture or getting lost as easily. For the projectiles, 1'' foam cubes are great because they're dense enough to get launched a satisfying distance but harmless if someone gets struck.These are easier to distribute to kids than long pieces of masking tape and usually create a sturdier connection. 1'' adhesive squares - For attaching the cups.Instructions Step 1: Wrap one end of the. Straight-walled cups won't release the projectile as well. You can re-enact medieval battles or just fling stuff across the room with this fun Popsicle stick catapult. Additionally, make sure to get cups that have angled sides.Portion cups hold projectiles better at holding projectiles, which allows kids to experiment with a wider range of fulcrum positions. 2oz plastic portion cup - Plastic spoons are often used for this project, but it's too easy for projectiles to fall off when the lever arm is positioned at a steep angle. The popsicle stick catapult is a simple machine a mechanical device used to change the direction or magnitude of a force.Normal office rubber bands require many more wraps, which can be challenging for young kids. Pull the 2 popsicle sticks apart and wedge the stack of 7 popsicle sticks between them. Make a stack of 2 popsicle sticks and use a rubber band to tie them together on one end only. Colorful loom rubber bands - Smaller rubber bands only require 1-3 wraps around craft sticks for a sturdy connection. Make a stack of 7 popsicle sticks and use rubber bands to tie them together on both ends.8'' jumbo tongue depressors are more expensive without any additional benefits. ![]() Smaller 4.5x3/8'' aren't flexible enough and they're harder to wrap. ![]() 6x3/4'' are also easy to wrap into bundles. 6''x3/4 Craft sticks - These work best because they're flexible enough to store potential energy but not too flexible so that any goes to waste.I'll also note important qualities for each material. I created a kit of supplies for 30 catapults that includes the best materials I could find: STEM Inventions Catapult Kit, or you can source the parts individually from the list below.
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