Play Catapult

Building a model catapult is an engaging and educational craft for kids. Elementary-aged children, or even younger children with help from an adult, can construct a basic Medieval-style catapult out of just a few materials. Older children or adults may enjoy taking the basic building instructions and creating alternate designs to create catapults that can throw heavier loads or toss their loads longer distances.

Instructions

1 Construct three identical equilateral triangles with the craft sticks. To make the catapult larger, tape several sticks in a row to form each side. Make sure all three triangles are sturdy.
2 Bring the points of all three triangles together. Construct a pyramid where the points meet on one bottom corner. Tape the pyramid together so that it is sturdy.
3 Tape several craft sticks together to create one long pole that is 1 1/2 times as long as any side of any triangle. The pole must be very sturdy to withstand repeatedly lifting balls and hitting against the catapult frame.
4 Divide the plastic Easter egg in half. Select the half of the egg with the roundest base. Attach the chosen half base-down with glue to one flat side of the pole you created in Step 3, near one end of the pole. The egg serves as the ball cup.
5 Drill a small hole in the pole near the other end. Insert a twisty-tie or short length of wire through the hole. Attach the pole to the corner of the pyramid where all three triangles meet using the wire.
6 Wind the rubber band around the top corner of the pyramid. Check to ensure that the dangling portion of the rubber band does not fall more than half the distance to the table. Pull the loose end around the pole so that the rubber band supports the pole, lifting it about halfway up from the table.
7 Insert your small rock, puff ball or ball of aluminum foil into the ball cup. Using gentle pressure, pull the pole down to touch the table, or as far down as allowed by the rubber band. Release the pole and watch your catapult in action as it tosses your ammunition.