How to Build a Catapult Out of Toothpicks
Toothpicks are typically used to remove food that is wedged between teeth, but toothpicks can also be used when making craft projects. Use toothpicks to construct a tiny catapult that can toss a small object across the room. With toothpicks, you can make a working catapult without needing to go to the arts and crafts store to buy expensive supplies.
Instructions
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Roll 1 oz. of air-drying clay into a coil that is 3 inches long, 1/4 inch thick. Cut the coil into three pieces, each measuring 1 inch long. Roll each piece into a sphere.
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Insert one of the clay balls onto one end of a toothpick, then insert a second toothpick into the same ball. Angle the toothpicks so that they are at a 45-degree angle.
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3
Insert a clay ball onto the other end of each toothpick, then insert a third toothpick between the two additional balls. This completes a toothpick triangle.
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Insert another toothpick into one of the clay balls on the triangle, and angle the toothpick out at a 45-degree angle to create a pyramid form. The other end of the toothpick should be left open. Allow the structure to air dry for 4 hours. The clay will harden, securing the pyramid form into place.
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Roll a dime-sized piece of modeling clay into a sphere, and push the clay onto the end of the single, open-ended toothpick.
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Insert the last toothpick into the modeling clay, positioning the toothpick so that is is inside the triangle and touching the bottom of the single toothpick. Angle the toothpick at a 45-degree angle.
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Roll a dime-sized piece of air-drying clay into a sphere, and attach the sphere to the end of the angled toothpick. Press the clay with your thumb to flatten it on the toothpick, which will make a bowl shape. Let the clay dry for 4 hours.
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Loop a small rubber band around the toothpick with the flattened clay bowl, then loop the rubber band around the top of the pyramid form. Place a small object onto the clay bowl, pull back the toothpick, and let it go. The object will fly across the room.
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Tips & Warnings
Not all air-drying clay is non-toxic. Keep air-drying clay out of the reach of children.
References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
