How to Build a Catapult Out of Straws
Catapults, by definition, are machines used for hurling large stones used in ancient and medieval times. Although you won't be able to hurl large objects with a straw catapult, make a catapult to relieve stress by hurling paper into a garbage can or at your fellow co-workers.
Instructions
- 1 Cut one straw in half with scissors. These are the top and bottom base pieces. Position the top and bottom pieces parallel to each other. Position two full straws, which are the side base pieces, between the top and bottom pieces. The straws make a rectangle, which is the base. Glue the corners of the straws together, using a hot glue gun.
2 Cross the ends of the two straws in a teepee shape, which are the long sides. The straws intersect 1 inch from the top ends of the straws. Cut different straw in half. The half straw is the bottom side. Position the bottom side at the bottom ends of the long sides. Adjust the bottom ends of long sides until you make a triangle.
3 Glue the intersection point of the long sides using a hot glue gun. Glue the bottom ends of the long sides with the ends of the bottom side using a hot glue gun. The triangular structure makes the left side piece. Repeat to make the right side piece.
4 Position the left side piece inside the left center of the base. Glue the bottom edge of the left side piece to the inside of the base using a hot glue gun. Repeat to glue the right side piece.
5 Squeeze the tops of the left and right side pieces in the center of the base and glue them together. The two glued top pieces make a point. Glue a paper clip to the point using a hot glue gun. Wrap a rubber band around the paper clip and point to secure it. The paper clip holds the object to be launched.
