Play Catapult

When you are learning about ancient machines, such as catapults, it can be difficult to picture how these machines actually worked and functioned. This can cause your understanding of the machines to be limited. One solution is to construct a model of a catapult that you can use to launch objects across your room. You can even construct a basic catapult using a few different recyclables that you have lying around your house.

Instructions

1 Heat up a hot glue stick inside of a hot glue gun for five minutes by plugging it into a wall outlet.
2 Place an empty, clean soda can horizontally onto a tabletop.
3 Squeeze a dime-sized dollop of hot glue onto the middle of the soda can, then press a craft stick vertically onto the hot glue dollop. Position the craft stick so that the end is pressed onto the hot glue and the length of the stick extends up from the can. Allow the hot glue to cool for five minutes, then turn over the can.
4 Squeeze a pea-sized dollop of hot glue onto the end of the craft stick that is extending up from the can, and place the flat end of a bamboo skewer onto the dollop. Position the skewer so that it falls back against the can in a 60-degree angle. Allow the hot glue to cool for five minutes.
5 Squeeze a pea-sized dollop of hot glue onto the extended end of the bamboo skewer, then press a paper cup onto the hot glue dollop. Position the paper cup so that it is facing upward. Allow the hot glue to cool for five minutes.
6 Place an object into the cup, hold onto the can with your hand, pull back the cup and release to launch the object through the air.