How to Make a Tiny Catapult
If you are bored at the office or want to teach your kids about physics, create your own tiny catapult. Catapults are accessible to a general audience yet can be part of a sophisticated science project. Use craft sticks and rubber bands to build a catapult to shoot marshmallows.
Instructions
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1
Stack seven craft sticks on top of each other, so they are exactly stacked. This is the frame for the tiny catapult.
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2
Wrap a rubber band on one end of the stack, approximately 1/2 inch from the end. Be sure it is tight. Tie another rubber band on the opposite end by wrapping it tightly.
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3
Stack the remaining two craft sticks together. Tie rubber bands at only one end about 1 inch from the end. This section is the beam, or the launching part, of the catapult.
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4
Insert the larger stacked craft sticks, with seven sticks, between the two craft sticks you just tied. Form a cross with the two stacks of sticks. The stack of seven sticks weighs down the other stack to form the launcher for the catapult.
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5
Tie a rubber band into a cross where the two stacks of sticks meet. This makes the catapult stronger. Place the spoon facing up on the craft stick that sticks up, which is also the top stick. The bowl should be just off the craft stick. Tie two rubber bands around the handle of the spoon to the top craft stick with the bowl of the spoon at the end. Be sure the bowl is facing up.
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Place a mini-marshmallow in the bowl of the spoon and press the spoon down gently. Release to shoot it.
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Tips & Warnings
Use thick rubber bands for this project.
Practice with a friend to see who can hit a target better.
Experiment with different materials and designs for your catapult.
Never point your catapult at a living thing.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
