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Learn how to build a working structure (catapult) and successfully redesign it to increase its functionality.

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For each student, prepare:

1 cotton ball
8 jumbo popsicle sticks (more is preferred)
1 plastic water bottle cap

For the class, prepare:

Tape
1 clipboard
1 pen/pencil
1 meter stick (may need more than one if they launch far enough)
1 prize for the winner (optional)

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Before the activity, prep materials:

Hot glue a water bottle lid to one jumbo craft stick (one per child). Leave enough space on the edge for a finger to pull the catapult back.
Make a zip baggie for each child with seven jumbo craft sticks in it, plus one of the sticks with the lids glued on.
Add some pom poms to the bag. Consider putting in four different sizes of pompoms to let the children experiment and see which ones fly the farthest. (Can’t afford pompoms? Marshmallows will also work- but the mini ones will hit the ceiling if you launch them inside!)
Make a testing area with measurements (use a ruler) for students to see how far they launched their cotton balls

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To begin this activity, introduce students to the idea of constructing a catapult.
Pass out the building materials to each student.
Give students the following instructions to build their catapult:
- Tape two jumbo craft sticks together on one end, one of which is the stick with the lid pre-glued onto it. Tape the end that does not have the lid.
- Tape six jumbo craft sticks together on both ends.
- Take the first two jumbo craft sticks taped together from the first step, lid stick on top, and push the stack of six taped sticks in between them.
- Place a pompom in the lid. Pull the stick back with your finger and let it go! Watch the pompom fly!
Now that every student has a finished catapult, have students brainstorm how they can add enhancements to the functionality of their catapults.
Once all students have completed their own catapults and modified them, have them test how far they can launch their pom poms and take note of their distances.
Give students 5 mins to redesign their catapults and make any more modifications.
Then, bring all students to the testing area and have them test one at a time. The student with the farthest distance can be recognized if desired (prize optional).
To end this activity, have students discuss what made their catapults work more effectively and how they changed it for the better or for the worse. Ask students what they would do to improve upon their designs.

Final Product Example

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Cotton Catapults

Cotton Catapults

Cotton Catapults

Overview