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Build and Test a Catapult

Build a craft stick catapult and find out how pull back and angle change how far it launches.

Grade 4BuildExperimentEngineeringScienceEngineeringPhysicsMachinesIntermediate45 to 70 min7 materialsAdult supervision required

What you'll learn

  • Explain stored energy in a stretched rubber band
  • Change one variable and measure the effect
  • Record, graph and compare launch distances

Objective

Build a catapult and test how launch distance changes when you change the arm's pull back angle.

STEM concepts

LeversStored (elastic) energyProjectile motionFair test
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Materials and safety
Step-by-step instructions
Prediction, test sheet and results
Why does it work, challenge and project report

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