Summary Build a simple catapult from popsicle sticks Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Physics: Simple and complex Machines (5) Science competencies (+ questioning + manipulation + others that are in every activity) Planning/conducting: measuring (non-standard K up, standard 2 up) Lessons activity is in Force stations Flying Things Materials 8 regular popsicle sticks saw 2 extra jumbo popsicle/craft sticks 3 elastic bands tin foil Procedure Use a saw to make a notch on either side of both jumbo popsicle sticks, about 2cm from one end. Stack up 8 regular popsicles sticks. Insert the notched-end of one jumbo popsicle stick between the bottom two of the stack. Wrap the stack of 8 tightly with elastic bands on each side. Lay the second jumbo popsicle stick over the top of the stack, with its notched end aligned with the jumbo stick tied into the stack. Wrap an elastic band around both jumbo sticks, making sure that it rests in the notches. Make tin foil balls to fire with the catapult. They will go about 1m into the air. Discuss the pushes and pulls: push down on the catapult, then as you let go it pushes the ammo into the air. The ammo falls back down as gravity pulls on it. Notes This catapuls are always pulled down by the same amount, and different-sized ammunition (e.g. marshmallows) go reproducible distances. Can show F=ma Grades taught Gr K
