Play Catapult

Catapults that were once used as weapons during medieval times now make good projects to teach students about the laws of physics. Some science classes in school require students to make their own catapults as part of a physics chapter. While some of the students in the class will use rubber bands as their method of propulsion, you can create a similar catapult without the use of rubber bands.

Instructions

Clothespin Catapult

1

Position the clothes pin on the two 1/2-inch blocks of wood so the front of the clothespin is at the outside edge of the first block and the back of the clothespin is at the outside edge of the second block. The clothespin should be positioned with one flat side along the blocks and the other flat side facing up so it opens in an alligator motion.

2

Glue the clothespin into place on the two blocks of wood.

3

Glue the two blocks of wood onto the flat wooden base so the front of the clothespin is at the front edge of the flat piece of wood. The back of the clothespin should be near the middle of the flat wooden base.

4

Position the clamp around the clothespin set-up and tighten it to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries.

5

Cut the bottom 1/2 inch out of the paper cup to create a small basket to hold the projectile. Glue the bottom of the paper cup onto one flat end of the popsicle stick.

6

Glue the other end of the popsicle stick to the back end of the clothespin so it extends the top clothespin arm out further. The flat side of the popsicle stick that holds the cup should lie flat against the top flat portion of the clothespin, overlapping the two for a more secure hold. The cup should be facing up and positioned away from the clothespin so it can hold and throw your projectile.

7

Load the cup with a small projectile, push down on the clothespin and release to launch your projectile.

Wire Catapult

8

Cut a wire hanger so you only have a V-shape left. Make one cut at the base of the hook, and make the other cut about halfway along the bottom of the hanger.

9

Secure the bottom part of the hanger to the block of wood with strips of duct tape.

10

Attach the section of PVC pipe to the top end of the angled piece of wire with duct tape so the pipe is at the top of the hanger where the hook once was. Place a piece of duct tape into the bottom of the pipe to create a solid floor for your projectile.

11

Place your projectile into the pipe, pull down on the angled portion of the wire and let it go to release your projectile.

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