Build a Catapult with Popsicle Sticks and a Spoon

Build a Catapult with Popsicle Sticks and a Spoon - DIY STEM Project

Sneak some science into your playtime! Kids will love this simple popsicle stick catapult design that combines engineering fun with hands-on experimentation. Using just popsicle sticks, plastic spoons, rubber bands, and aluminum foil, children can build their own launching device and test different projectiles. Experiment with different spoons and materials to see what works best. What will fling the furthest? This project is perfect for introducing basic physics concepts while having a blast!

5-10 minutes Ages 4-12

Project Supplies

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A cartoon of Rubber Bands
Rubber Bands
A cartoon of Popsicle Sticks
Popsicle Sticks
A cartoon of Plastic Spoons
Plastic Spoons
A cartoon of Aluminum Foil
Aluminum Foil

About This Project

Sneak some science into your playtime! Kids will love this simple popsicle stick catapult design that combines engineering fun with hands-on experimentation. Using just popsicle sticks, plastic spoons, rubber bands, and aluminum foil, children can build their own launching device and test different projectiles. Experiment with different spoons and materials to see what works best. What will fling the furthest? This project is perfect for introducing basic physics concepts while having a blast!

This project is perfect for:
Project Tags
catapult indoor recycled materials science stem engineering basics simple machines experiment historic science castle medieval time machine physics budget friendly reusable problem solving solo play family project construction building

Steps

A photo showing how to complete this step

Assemble the base

Take 5 sticks and stack them, securing one end with a rubber band. You'll need to wrap the rubber band around several times to make it nice and secure.

A photo showing how to complete this step

Insert the supporting stick

Slide one more stick between the bottom stick and the rest of the stack. Secure the other end with a rubber band.

A photo showing how to complete this step

Attach the spoon

Place the spoon on top, and attach the end of the spoon to the end of the supporting stick with the last rubber band. Find some pompoms or crumple up small balls of aluminum foil to fling. Small marshmallows are also excellent. Experiment! What else can you find to launch? Do larger or smaller objects fling farther?

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About the Author

STL Motherhood

I’m a boy mom, crafter and former reporter who loves taking my kids to superhero movies. Join me for a mix of traditional kid crafts, STEM fun and 3D printing.

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