How to Build a Mini-Catapult Out of Wood

Mini catapults can be great fun. You can make them with spoons and other household objects, but you can also make them with wood. Wooden chopsticks are the perfect length and width to create a mini catapult. Keep your wooden chopsticks from your last Chinese food dinner to make a toy that will bring fun times.

Things You'll Need

• 6 chopsticks
• Plastic cup
• 3-4 rubber bands
• Pen

Instructions

1. Lay three chopsticks on the table in the shape of a triangle. Overlap each corner. Rubber band the corners together.

2. Make a freestanding pyramid with three more chopsticks. Keep the thinner part of the chopsticks toward the top. Secure the top of the pyramid with a rubber band. Secure the bottom of each leg of the pyramid to a corner of your triangle that you made with the other three chopsticks.

3. Create three holes in your plastic cup with your pen. The holes should be right under the rim and evenly distributed.

4. Tie a rubber band into each hole. Make sure your knot is secure.

5. Move your pyramid so the triangle that was laying on the table is now facing you. The cup should have its opening face you. Tie an end of each of the bands on the cup to a corner of the triangle. The cup should be in the air with the top of your pyramid farthest away from you.

6. Turn your catapult around so your cup's opening is facing away. You can load it with whatever you like. Pull back on it and let go. You will catapult the cup's contents. Make sure that you hold onto the back of your catapult for extra support as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have chopsticks, you can also make a wooden pencil catapult.

References

• Catapult Creations
• Simple Way to Make Catapult