How to Build a Catapult With Popsicle Sticks

Real catapults were weapons used in medieval times. You can build a catapult out of Popsicle sticks, then use it as a toy or as a science experiment. The mechanism for catapults is evolved from crossbow weaponry. This project will give you an opportunity to create something and get a better understanding of the engineering involved in catapults. You will also have fun thinking of various objects to use in you catapult.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 40 Popsicle sticks (you may not use them all)
• Masking tape
• Glue
• Thick rubber band
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Styrofoam cup

1. Make your support legs. Tape three Popsicle sticks together. Place two sticks end to end on a flat surface. Place a small piece of tape on these two sticks where they meet. Place the third stick on top of these two, centered on the joint. Pick up all three sticks and wrap tape around at least two times. Create six sets of these.

2. Create a support base. Do this by taping sets of three legs that you just made together. Place three legs together on a flat surface to form a triangle. Tape these three legs to each other by wrapping tape around the connection point at least two times.

3. Create a support assembly for your catapult. Tape one leg to each joint of the support base. Bring the three legs together in the middle to form a pyramid shape, and tape the three legs together.

4. Make the catapult arm. Tape five Popsicle sticks together end to end. Place three sticks end to end on a flat surface. Place a small piece of tape on these three sticks where they meet. Place two more sticks on top of these, centering each one on a joint. Pick up all the sticks, and wrap tape around at least two times.

5. Join the free end of the catapult arm to the triangular base at a joint on the base. This will require several pieces of tape. The tape will act as a hinge between the catapult arm and the triangles. Do not join too tightly, but so that there is freedom of movement for the catapult arm.

6. Cut the bottom 1 inch from the Styrofoam cup using the scissors.

7. Glue the cup to the free end of the catapult arm. It should be a 1/2 inch from the end.

8. Wrap the rubber band around the catapult arm. You can secure it with a knot.

9. Wrap the other end of the rubber band to the top of the pyramid form where the three legs join. Now you are ready to fill your cup with projectiles and fire away.

Tips & Warnings

• Styrofoam peanuts are ideal for launching with this catapult.
• Never place hard things in the catapult and launch them, or you risk serious injury and property damage.