Catapult!

Catapults are a nifty way to fire things both vertically and horizontally, so you can get a better feel for how objects fly through the air. Notice when you launch how the balls always fall at the same rate – about 16 feet in the first second. Let's build one right now!

Experiment & Video

What's Going On?

We’re utilizing the “springy-ness” in the popsicle stick to fling the ball around the room. By moving the fulcrum as far from the ball launch pad as possible (on the catapult), you get a greater distance to press down and release the projectile. (The fulcrum is the spot where a lever moves one way or the other – for example, the horizontal bar on which a seesaw “sees” and “saws”.)

Troubleshooting: These simple catapults are quick and easy versions of the real thing, using a fulcrum instead of a spring so kids don’t knock their teeth out. After making the first model, encourage kids to make their own “improvements” by handing them additional popsicle sticks, spoons, and glue sticks (for the hot glue guns).

If they get stuck, you can show them how to vary their models: glue a second (or third, fourth, or fifth) spoon onto the first spoon for multi-ammunition throws, increase the number of popsicle sticks in the fulcrum from 7 to 13 (or more?), and/or use additional sticks to lengthen the lever arm. Use ping pong balls as ammo and build a fort from sheets, pillows, and the backside of the couch.

Keep experimenting on your own. See you soon in the next issue!

Oh, wait. I almost forgot... I’m presenting my infamous online class on Rockets & Spaceflight. I didn’t know if you saw it last week, but you can participate in it again this week.

We're actually going to build a rocket that your kids can launch during the class. (It's completely safe, I promise).

Click This Link To Register For The Class Right Now

Talk soon,
Aurora

P.S. If you'd like to experience one of my free educational (and FUN) online science classes, so you can see first hand how your kids can enjoy learning science... then simply register for my next class by clicking the link below...

Click Here To Register For The Next Free Online Homeschool Science Class