The Catapults activity is an exciting and hands-on that allows participants to explore principles of physics, engineering, and mathematics while building and testing their own catapults. In this activity, participants will design and construct catapults and then use them to launch projectiles such as marshmallows or small balls.
Below is a step-by-step guide for conducting the Catapults activity:
Materials Needed:
- Craft sticks (large and small)
- Rubber bands
- Plastic spoons
- Plastic bottle caps or small containers
- Hot glue gun (or strong adhesive tape)
- Small projectiles (marshmallows, cotton balls, small balls)
- Optional: Ruler or measuring tape
Instructions:
- Introduction: Start by introducing the concept of catapults and their historical significance. Explain how catapults use stored energy to launch projectiles.
- Catapult Designs: Discuss different catapult designs, such as trebuchets, mangonels, or onagers. Explain how each design works and its specific characteristics.
- Building Catapults: Provide participants with craft sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoons, and other materials. Instruct them to build their own catapults following the design of their choice. Participants can use the hot glue gun or tape to secure the craft sticks together.
- Projectile Selection: Have participants choose their preferred projectiles, such as marshmallows or small balls, to launch with their catapults.
- Testing: Set up a designated launching area with a target. Participants can take turns testing their catapults by launching projectiles toward the target.
- Observations: Encourage participants to observe how their catapults perform and how different design adjustments affect launch distance and accuracy.
- Data Collection: Measure and record the launch distances of each catapult. Participants can use rulers or measuring tapes for accuracy.
- Reflection and Discussion: Gather all participants for a group discussion. Ask them about their experiences and observations during the catapult launches. Discuss which designs performed well and why.
- Improvements: Encourage participants to modify their catapult designs based on the data collected and the lessons learned. They can then retest their improved catapults.
- Real-World Applications: Conclude the activity by discussing real-world applications of catapult principles, such as in historical warfare or modern-day engineering.
- Extension Activities: For more advanced participants, explore advanced concepts related to projectile motion, energy transfer, and potential energy in catapults.
The Catapults activity provides an engaging way to learn about physics, engineering, and mathematics. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while offering hands-on experience with scientific principles. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of energy transfer, projectile motion, and the engineering design process through the building and testing of their own catapults.
| STEM Concept | Explanation and Application |
| Science Concepts | |
| Projectile Motion | Understanding the motion of projectiles launched by the catapult and how different factors affect their trajectory. |
| Potential Energy | Exploring the concept of potential energy stored in the catapult before launch and its conversion to kinetic energy. |
| Elasticity | Investigating the properties of rubber bands and how they provide the catapult’s elastic force for launching. |
| Technology Concepts | |
| Catapult Design | Introducing different types of catapult designs, such as trebuchets or mangonels, and how they work. |
| Materials and Tools | Exploring the use of various materials and tools, such as craft sticks and hot glue guns, in catapult construction. |
| Projectile Launchers | Understanding how technology enables the launch of projectiles using the catapult mechanism. |
| Engineering Concepts | |
| Design and Prototyping | Applying engineering design principles to create and improve catapult designs for optimal performance. |
| Mechanics and Forces | Understanding the mechanical principles involved in catapult operation, such as lever mechanics and tension forces. |
| Stability and Balance | Exploring the importance of stability and balance in catapult design to ensure accurate launches. |
| Mathematics Concepts | |
| Measurement | Measuring launch distances and angles of projectiles to analyze and compare catapult performance. |
| Data Analysis | Recording and analyzing data from catapult tests to draw conclusions and make design improvements. |
| Trajectory Calculations | Using mathematics to calculate projectile trajectory and predict landing points based on launch parameters. |
Catapults activity. Each concept can be further explored and expanded based on the age, understanding, and grade level of the participants. Additionally, this activity can be a starting point for exploring more complex STEM topics related to mechanics, kinematics, and energy conservation as participants deepen their understanding of catapult principles. The activity encourages hands-on learning, critical thinking, and practical applications of scientific and engineering concepts.