Kids Catapult Directions

Kids can build a simple version of ancient catapults.

A catapult is a device used to hurl objects; it has been used since ancient times. Kids will enjoy making their own catapults to use in a game of war, knock down block towers or hurl harmless objects at unsuspecting victims. Catapults do not need to be complex to work.

Things You'll Need

• 32 wooden craft sticks
• Rubber band
• Wide masking tape
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Small paper cup

Instructions

Building the Catapult

1. Place a piece of masking tape vertically, sticky side up, on the table and press two wooden craft sticks, end to end, on one end of the tape. Place a third wooden craft stick on top of the two sticks so that it is sitting in the middle. Wrap the remaining tape around all three sticks. Do this eight times.

2. Tape three sections from Step 1 together, end-to-end. Fold the pieces to create a triangle and tape the open ends of the triangle together. Repeat this step to create three triangles. Make sure the triangles are taped together well so they do not come apart during the construction of the catapult.

3. Place two of the triangles side-by-side and tape them together on only one side so the remaining two sides are spread open. Lay the third triangle on the table and slide it into the opening created at the bottom of the taped-together triangles to create a pyramid shape. Tape all edges together.

4. Place three wooden craft sticks end-to-end. Place two wooden craft sticks on top and in the center of the three craft sticks and tape all of the sticks together to create the catapult's arm.

5. Cut a small paper cup in half horizontally. Tape the bottom half of the cup securely to the end of the catapult arm, leaving about 1/2 inch of wooden craft stick above it. Wrap one end of a rubber band on the catapult arm, just below the cup, and tape it down.

6. Connect the other end of the catapult arm to the bottom of the pyramid where the three triangles meet. Tape the arm so that it can move while remaining connected to the pyramid. Another option is to drill a small hole in the arm of the catapult and insert a paperclip, then tape the paperclip to the pyramid.

7. Wrap the other end of the rubber band around the top of the pyramid and tape it securely to complete the catapult design.

8. To operate the catapult, place an object in the cup, press the arm down then release to fire the object. Vary the distance the object is thrown by using different amounts of pressure on the arm.

References

• Spaghetti Box Kids: Catapult Designs for Kids
• Storm the Castle: Catapult Crazy