How to Make a Catapult for Kids Using Pencils
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.
