How to Make a Mini Catapult out of Paper Clips for Kids

A catapult is a type of siege weapon that was used to attack castles in medieval times. This type of device requires stored energy to propel an object into the air. An example of stored energy is a spring. Demonstrating how a catapult works is done by making a working model. You can make your paper clip catapult based on the principles of a simple spring.

Things You'll Need

• Large paper clip
• 2-inch by 4-inch piece of wood
• Pliers
• Staples
• Staple gun
• Duct tape
• Cotton ball
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Bend the small inner loop of the paper clip up to make a 45-degree angle. You can do this by hand or by using a pair of pliers.

2. Place the large loop of the paper clip on the 2-by-4-inch block of wood. Secure the paper clip onto the wood with staples using the staple gun. If a staple gun is not available, use strips of duct tape.

3. Set the paper clip catapult on a flat surface. Pull back on the small loop with your finger. Place a cotton ball on top of the paper clip.

4. Release the paper clip to propel the cotton ball into the air. Measure the distance the cotton ball traveled with the measuring tape.

5. Repeat this process to construct additional paper clip catapults.