Games
Catapult
In this game, kids use popsicle sticks to build a simple catapult and experiment with launching small objects
Materials
- Popsicle Sticks
- Rubber
- Tape
- Bottle Cap
Click on the image to learn more
Checklist
- Were the catapult structure being able to launch the object?
how to play
Divide the children into groups of 2–3. Begin by telling a short story, such as helping knights launch supplies over a castle wall or sending messages across a river, to make the activity exciting. Give each group popsicle sticks and small objects to launch. Show them how to stack and join the sticks to create a simple catapult. Explain that they can experiment with different angles, stacking methods, or tension to launch their objects farther. If children have difficulty, give hints such as: How can you make the catapult stronger? Where should you place the object for the best launch? How can you adjust the angle? Make sure each child has enough turns to build, experiment, and enjoy watching their catapult in action.
Challanges
- Let the kids estimate how far their catapult can launch the objects and see that.
- You can experiment with different things to launch, such as Jenga, pebbles, balls, or paper balls, to see the difference.
- If they have to launch the object to a far distance, what changes will they make in their catapult?
Questions to be asked
- What differences can be seen when we try launching objects with different shapes, sizes, and density?
- What happens if the rubber band tied in the arc of the launcher is tight?