(And even if you are.) Chances are that won’t cause major injuries, but it can really hurt to be snapped by a rubber band, especially if it is unexpected.Ĭheck out these other fun science activities! Make sure your child understands that rubber bands can snap back if you aren’t careful. Make sure children aim away from their own faces.
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Even with small, soft items children need to be taught how to use them properly.ĭo not launch anything at anyone’s face and especially their eyes. This is a pretty safe activity, but it is important to remember you are creating a projectile. I prefer using a spoon because it gives a little more stability and helps the balls fly further, but both ways work.
Glue the lid on the end of your catapult and place your puffball there to launch. Instead of using a spoon, you can also take a bottle cap from an orange juice or a milk jug. In fact, it is a valuable learning experience for your children to see you adapt and improvise. It is okay if your STEM project doesn’t look perfect. How do I know this? Because I’ve had to do it.
No plastic spoons around? No problem, you can use a spork and it works just fine. Seriously, a simple popsicle stick catapult design can be made with so many household items. I’ll give some alternatives to them further down.ĭIY popsicle stick catapults are a great STEM activity because you can make them with so many different items. If you don’t have any of these items, don’t worry. Puff Balls, Mini Marshmallows, Pom Poms, or Small Plastic Ball.If you do crafts regularly you probably already have them in your supplies! You only need a few items to make these awesome DIY catapults.
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So here are the full directions and explanations for year-round fun! (Scroll to the bottom for free printable instructions!) Craft Stick Catapult Supplies And this is too much fun to leave for just the holidays. (You can see it with other fun holiday activities: 5 Minute Christmas STEM Activities.) It is perfect for shooting ‘snowballs’ all winter long.īut a lot of people have told me how much they like it and wanted more information. We originally did this activity a few years ago as a snowball shooter. Popsicle Stick Catapult Printable Directions.How To Make Your Popsicle Stick Catapult.