- 10 - 15 mins
- Fine motor, experimentation, discovery, numeracy
- Minimal mess
- Easy
This DIY catapult was a tonne of fun! Super easy to create, using minimal resources and hours of fun to be had.
This activity incorporates fine motor skills, brings basic science concepts and simple physics into action. A great STEM activities that kids of all ages will enjoy, even I loved this one!
What you will need
- Paddle pop sticks x6
- Elastic bands x3
- Plastic spoon
- Pom-pom's
Activity steps
Setup
- Pile 5 paddle pop sticks one on top of another and secure one end with an elastic band.
- With your remaining paddle pop stick, carefully slide it between the bottom stick of the pile (closest to the table) and the one above. It should be in the opposite direction and look like a cross.
- Secure the other end of your pile with an elastic band.
- Lie the plastic spoon on top of the paddle pop stick pile but line it up with the single paddle pop stick. Secure the paddle pop stick and spoon at the handle.
- Push the secured end of the paddle pop stick/spoon as close as it will go to the stack of paddle pop sticks.
- Place a pom-pom in the spoon end, gently push down and release to see the pom-pom fly across the room.
Extension ideas
Try different types of spoons and change up the types of objects you use. For example: a rock, a marsh mellow, a leaf, marble, a pea!
- Does it change the way your catapult works?
- Does it change the distance you item lands?
- Does it change the launch of the catapult?
Learning Opportunities
- Fine motor skills- piling the sticks on top of one another, securing elastic bands, pushing and releasing the catapult to play.
- Science- experimentation, hypothesis’, investigation, opportunities to engage in basic engineering, simple physics.
- Numeracy- counting the sticks as you pile, exploring weight and measurement with various items to fling on the catapolt.
Reference sites
We would like to acknowledge these amazing sites that have inspired us to create this activity. Thank you!