Play Catapult

Catapults were used at least since ancient Roman times as a powerful weapon designed to launch stones and other items at the enemy. Catapults demonstrate the mechanisms of physics and make a easy to build science project. Create a catapult using pencils and yarn as a craft project for children to launch marshmallows or paper balls across the room.

Instructions

1 Place two pencils parallel to each other approximately 5 inches apart. Lay two pencils atop the first two pencils to form a square, overlapping the ends slightly. Wrap each corner with yarn and tie the pencils securely in place.
2 Form a triangular side for the catapult with two pencils angled up from two corners of one side of the square. Overlap the upper ends of the pencils to form a cradle. Tie the pencils into place with yarn at each junction.
3 Create a second triangular side parallel to the first using the same method. Lay one pencil across the catapult so it is resting in the two cradles formed at the top of the triangular sides, with the ends overlapping. Tie into place with yarn at each cradle.
4 Place one pencil across the bottom of the catapult so it is resting on the inside next to of one of the pencils that lead perpendicular to the two triangular sides. Insert the final pencil between the two pencils to form the arm of the catapult, running it under the pencil at the top of the catapult. Lash all three pencils firmly together at the bottom of the catapult so tension is formed between the arm and the top pencil.
5 Pull back on the catapult arm and let go to snap it against the top pencil and launch a small item across the room.

---

• 

  How to make a catapult - Science Kits for Kids

  www.explorabox.org/activities/engineering/your-own-catapult
  How to make a catapult: using only two sets of wooden chopsticks, a rubber band, and duct tape. In this article well show you how to make a catapult that launches ...
• 

  How to Draw, Draw Step by Step, Draw Anime, Draw People, Learn How ...

  www.dragoart.comCartoon Characters For Kids
  Welcome to Dragoart's free online drawing tutorials for kids and adults. Learn how to draw people, dragons, cars, animals, fairies, anime manga, sci-fi, fantasy art ...
• 

  how to make a mini catapult with common supplies - YouTube

  www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMwlNCxis2Q
  how to make the best office supplies catapult on youtube youtube using simple materials almost every household has. All you need is a water bottle, 2 of ...
• 

  How to Make a homemade catapult Construction Toys

  construction-toys.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-homemade-catapult-5337
  This is an advanced version of the classic "rubberband and pencil slingshot" that you've probably made a million times when bored in class. Watch and see how to make ...
• 

  How to Build a catapult out of rubber bands & a wire hanger ...

  science.wonderhowto.com/how-to/build-catapult-out-rubber-bands...
  In this tutorial, we learn how to build a catapult out of rubber bands & a wire hanger. To do this, you will first need: one wire hanger, plastic spoon, rubber bands ...
• 

  How to Build an Easy Catapult for Kids eHow

  www.ehow.com Education K-12 K-12 For Educators
  A catapult is basically a spring-loaded launcher which uses a lever and tension to propel an object. The catapult was invented by the Greeks in 399 B.C. and used ...
• 

  How to Make a BB gun out of a mechanical pencil Specialized Weapons

  specialized-weapons.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-bb-gun-out...
  How to Make a BB gun out of a mechanical pencil. You will need a new BIC mechanical pencil, a pair of needle nosed pliers, wire cutters or old scissors, and a couple ...
• 

  How To Make Popsicle Stick Catapult - YouTube

  www.youtube.com/watch?v=VycJWEzi3dA
  In the video i will be showing you how to make a catapult using Popsicle sticks, a small rubberband, clothes-pens, and tape. We plan on bringing you more ...
• 

  How to Make a Catapult for Kids eHow

  www.ehow.com Crafts Other Craft Projects
  Making a catapult with your kids, for your kids to use and play with isn't as hard as you think. The key is to simplify and work on a smaller scale.. Other ...
• 

  Make a Popsicle Stick Catapult Wonder How To

  tag.wonderhowto.com Make a popsicle
  How to Build a popsicle catapult This video demonstrates how to make a catapult out of popsicle sticks. For this project, you will need the following: 7 rubber ...