Quick Rubber Band Catapult Challenge
⚠️ Safety Warning
Never aim at people, animals, or breakable objects. Use soft projectiles like pompoms or mini marshmallows only.
All experiments require adult supervision.
Materials You'll Need
Gather these 6 items before starting
💡 Tip: Check off items as you gather them to stay organized!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 8 steps carefully
stack 7 popsicle sticks and wrap a rubber band tightly around each end.
Take 2 more popsicle sticks and wrap a rubber band around one end only.
Slide the stack of 7 between the 2 sticks, pushing it toward the rubber-banded end.
Wrap a rubber band in an X pattern where the stacks cross to hold them together.
Glue the bottle cap to the top stick at the end opposite the rubber band.
Place a pompom in the bottle cap launching pad.
Press down on the cap end and release to launch!
Experiment with the stack position — moving it changes the launch angle and distance.
✅ Remember: Take your time with each step and ask an adult for help if needed!
The Science Behind It 🔬
A catapult is a simple machine that converts stored elastic potential energy into kinetic energy (energy of motion). When you press down the launch arm, you are stretching the rubber bands and storing energy in them — like loading a spring. When you release, that stored energy is rapidly converted to motion energy, launching the projectile. The further back the fulcrum (the stack of sticks), the greater the mechanical advantage. Medieval engineers used massive catapults called trebuchets to launch boulders over castle walls using the same physics principles! Try changing one variable at a time to see how it affects the results — this is called the scientific method!