STEM Starters: Catapult

This activity challenges students to create their own catapult. The essential pieces (craft sticks, paper straws, pom-poms, rubber bands, wooden dowels, plastic cups, and paper blocks) are provided; it’s up to the young scientists to determine the best combination of materials to design their own creation. Incorporating common household or classroom materials makes endless personalized catapult opportunities. Six pom-poms in three different weights serve as projectiles. Using the engineering design process, students will create, evaluate, and redesign their simple machine until their objective is met. An eight-page guide for parents and teachers includes an overview of the engineering design process, follow-up questions, extension ideas, and links to additional online resources. Includes enough materials to begin 6 catapult devices. 100 total pieces.