![]() High school students can take this catapult project to a whole new level. This interdisciplinary approach connects STEM with history and mathematics, providing a more holistic learning experience. Discuss their use in ancient battles and how engineering innovations have shaped warfare. To further enrich the experience, introduce history by exploring the historical significance of siege engines like catapults. Extend the learning into mathematics by challenging them to calculate the average distance the candy traveled with their catapult design. This is an opportunity to discuss concepts like force, motion, and potential energy. ![]() Encourage them to actively participate in constructing the catapult and discuss the principles of physics involved in launching the candy. This catapult project can be a more in-depth exploration for our upper elementary and middle school students. You can engage their curiosity by asking questions like, “What happens when we pull back the catapult arm further?” or “Can we aim at different targets and see what happens?” Upper Elementary/ Middle School (ages 9-12) Help them assemble the catapult’s basic structure, and use this opportunity to introduce basic geometry concepts such as triangles and symmetry. Keep the focus on fun and simple learning. Early Elementary (ages 6-8)īuilding a popsicle stick catapult for learners ages 6-8 is an exciting hands-on STEM activity. While this project is best for children ages 9-18, it can also be adapted for elementary-age kids. You can download it free here! Scaffolding for Different Learning Levels ![]() It’s the perfect activity to print for your classroom. It also includes worksheets, games, and more. Our free printable Popsicle Stick Catapult Project Guide walks you through the entire process of building a catapult. Download Your Free Printable Popsicle Stick Catapult Project Guide Additionally, have them consider potential improvements for the catapult’s design and performance. Have kids reflect on what they have learned from this hands-on experiment. Measure the distance to which the candy lands using a ruler, and record this launch distance in a data table or notebook.Ĭonduct multiple launches and calculate the average distance covered by all launches for consistent results. Pull back the catapult arm to launch, aim at the target, and release it. Load a single M&M into the catapult’s spoon. With the catapult ready, find an open area and set up a target for launching M&M’s. To complete the catapult’s construction, tape a spoon to the end of the remaining portion of the extra popsicle stick. Use a rubber band to firmly attach the vertical popsicle stick to the bottom of the two vertices. Next, open the unattached points of the triangles like a mouth and position an extra popsicle stick vertically against them. This forms the basic structure of the catapult. Next, use rubber bands to attach the two triangles at both points on the base, ensuring that the top point remains unattached. To assemble the catapult, create two equilateral triangles using popsicle sticks and secure them at each vertex with rubber bands. Make sure to check out our video above to follow along step-by-step instructions to build your popsicle catapult! So, get ready to launch into the captivating world of physics with your homemade catapult! ![]() It’s an exciting way to show that physical science and homeschooling don’t have to be a daunting combination. Homeschooling provides an opportunity to explore STEM projects, and this catapult adventure perfectly combines the fun of hands-on learning with physics challenges. With this project, you’ll explore physical science while having a blast. Physics is all about understanding the forces and motions that shape our universe, and what better way to grasp these ideas than by building your very own catapult? The Popsicle Stick Catapult Project is excellent for learners starting at elementary age! This hands-on STEM project clarifies physics concepts and turns them into a candy-themed learning experience. Welcome to an exciting adventure in the world of physics, tailored perfectly for your homeschooling journey! We understand that physics can sometimes seem challenging, but fear not – we have just the project to make it easy and engaging. Please see our disclosure policy for more details. This article may contain affiliate links.
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