Use a catapult to launch something super far
Build a safe small catapult from craft sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon, then launch lightweight projectiles to measure how far they fly.
Step-by-step guide to build a safe small catapult
STEM: Catapult Fun!
Step 1
Gather all your materials and find a flat table to work on.
Step 2
Stack six craft sticks neatly one on top of another.
Step 3
Wrap a rubber band tightly around one short end of the stacked sticks two times to hold them together.
Step 4
Cross two craft sticks to make an X shape and wrap a rubber band around the crossing point to hold the X steady.
Step 5
Place the rubber-banded end of your stacked sticks onto the top arm of the X so the stack can rock like a lever.
Step 6
Move the stacked stick a little on the X so the other end of the stack sticks out as the throwing arm.
Step 7
Secure the plastic spoon to the top stick at the far end with a rubber band so the spoon bowl faces up and stays put.
Step 8
Press the X base flat on the table so your catapult sits steady and won’t slide.
Step 9
Put one small pom-pom or cotton ball into the spoon bowl.
Step 10
Pull the spoon arm straight down to a set position to prepare for launch.
Step 11
Let go of the spoon arm to launch the projectile into the air.
Step 12
Use the ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance from the launch point to where the projectile landed.
Step 13
Repeat loading launching and measuring two more times so you have three distance results.
Step 14
Add the three distances and divide by three to find the average distance your catapult launches.
Step 15
Share a photo or description of your finished catapult and your launch results on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have plastic spoons, rubber bands, or craft sticks?
If you don't have a plastic spoon use a small disposable cup or folded cardboard as the spoon bowl, substitute rubber bands with strong tape or twist‑ties wrapped tightly around the stacked sticks and spoon, and replace craft sticks with popsicle sticks or thin wooden rulers while still following the 'stack six craft sticks' and 'wrap a rubber band tightly' steps.
My catapult slides on the table or the spoon keeps popping off—what should I do?
If the catapult slides press the X base flat as in the instructions and add sticky putty or tape under the X for grip, and if the spoon pops off secure it with an extra rubber band looped around the top stick per the 'Secure the plastic spoon' step.
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For ages 3–5 have an adult pre-stack six craft sticks and pre-wrap rubber bands while using large cotton balls as projectiles, for ages 6–9 let kids assemble the X and practice pulling and releasing the spoon, and for 10+ challenge them to change the pivot by moving the stacked stick on the X and record average distances with a ruler or measuring tape.
How can we extend or personalize the catapult project once it's built?
Decorate the craft sticks, glue the X to a cardboard base to make the catapult steadier, and experiment with different spoon sizes or adding more craft sticks to the throwing arm to see how changing the 'move the stacked stick a little on the X' pivot affects the average distance from three launches.
Watch videos on how to build a safe small catapult
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4 Videos
How does a Catapult Work|Science behind working of Catapult|Twinkle Think|
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Facts about simple machines and projectile motion
🏹 Catapults were important ancient and medieval siege weapons used to fling stones, firepots, and other projectiles at fortifications.
🎯 In ideal conditions (no air resistance), a 45° launch angle gives the maximum horizontal range for a projectile.
🧪 Lighter, smoother projectiles often fly farther because they face less air resistance (drag).
📐 Making the throw arm longer or increasing band tension raises the tip speed, which usually increases how far your projectile travels.
🚀 Rubber bands store elastic potential energy that converts to kinetic energy when released—perfect for small DIY catapults.
How do I build and use a small craft stick catapult to launch projectiles and measure distance?
What materials do I need to make a safe mini catapult from craft sticks?
What ages is this craft stick catapult activity suitable for?
What safety tips and fun variations can make the catapult activity safe and engaging?
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