How to Build a Simple Catapult & Test Projectile Motion

Project Overview:
Grab some craft supplies and build a mini catapult, then launch stuff with it and measure how far it flies depending on the angle and how much force you put behind it. It's a fun, hands-on way to actually watch physics happen instead of just doing the math on paper. WARNING: Never point the catapult at another person, and stick to soft projectiles like pom-poms or mini marshmallows.

Materials:

1. 7-9 popsicle sticks

2. Rubber bands

3. A plastic spoon

4. Small soft projectiles (mini marshmallows, pom-poms, cotton balls, etc.)

5. A ruler or measuring tape

6. Tape

Instructions:

1. Stack 5 popsicle sticks together and wrap a rubber band tightly around each end so they hold as one solid base

2. Take your 2 remaining sticks, wrap a rubber band around just one end, and wedge the stack of 5 sticks in between near that same end so the whole thing forms an "A" shape once you stand it up

3. Tape the plastic spoon to the top stick at an angle, so it can hold your projectile

4. Stretch a rubber band from the tip of the top stick down to the base — this is what builds your tension

5. Load your projectile into the spoon, pull back, and release

6. Measure how far it flew using your ruler or tape measure

7. Try changing the launch angle, or add another rubber band for more tension, and see how the distance changes

Explanation:
What's really happening here comes down to energy just changing form. Pulling that spoon back and holding it stretches the rubber band, and all that tension is stored energy waiting to be released. The moment you let go, it all converts into motion, and the projectile takes off. Once it's in the air, it's got two things pulling at it — it's still carrying forward from the launch, but gravity's tugging it down at the same time. That combination is what gives you the curve it flies in instead of a straight shot. Change the angle, and you change how those two forces play off each other: aim low and it flies farther but flatter, aim high and it goes up more but usually doesn't travel as far. Throw on an extra rubber band or two, and you're just loading more energy in from the start, which is why it tends to fly farther with more tension behind it!