The idea was originally shared on The Brainy Mommy blog.
Have you ever tried to build a catapult with things lying around your house?
This toddler activity is so easy to prepare, loads of fun, and, best of all, incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning. The Brainy Mommy and her son turned it into a game and they spent hours launching all sorts of things – erasers, pieces of playdough, Lego figurines – into the air.
Keep reading to learn how to make your own popsicle stick catapult!
DIY Popsicle Stick Catapult
Overview
A fun STEM activity making your own popsicle stick catapult.
Materials
- 12-15 popsicle sticks (jumbo craft ones work best – think tongue-depressor size)
- Rubber bands
- Containers of various sizes (e.g., yogurt/margarine tubs, plastic cups)
- Projectiles to launch (e.g., pompoms, marshmallows, playdough)
Skills
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
- Problem-solving
- Spatial awareness
- Hand-eye coordination
- Fine-motor
Modify or extend the activity
- Set up containers at different distances and see how many projectiles you can launch into the containers.
- Assign point values to the containers and see who gets the most points after 10 launches (bonus addition practice).
- See what happens when different projectiles are used. Playdough is great for this – experiment with different-sized pieces, roll them into balls vs. making them flatter and launch multiple pieces at the same time.
- Try changing the number of popsicle sticks you use in your catapult and see what happens to the trajectory.
- Try changing the number of rubber bands you use or the number of times they are wound around the popsicle sticks and see what happens.
- This activity is great to use in a science classroom for introducing the concepts of potential and kinetic energy and for practicing the scientific method (make predictions, set up controls, change one variable, record observations).
Have fun and happy STEM-ing!
Source: TheBrainyMommy.com
Mom of 3-year-old superhero Michael and 7-year-old princess Stasia. 👩👧👦
Passionate about research and getting to the core, enjoying processing information & always hungry for more. 📖
Learning & sharing how to be a better mom. Join me, and let’s grow together! 🌼