How It Works

Home science experiments: How to make a catapult

by · 18/03/2015

As part of our home science experiment series, we are showing you how to gets hands on with science to make learning more fun.

Read on to find out you can make your very own home made catapult with four simple components!

Checklist:

  • Block of wood
  • Spoon
  • Rubber band x 2
  • Drawing pin x 4

1  Make the base

Select a weighty block of wood, about 2.5cm (1in) thick. Wrap two rubber bands around the front, one above the other, secured either side with a drawing pin.

2  Create the catapult

Slip a spoon in between the wood and the rubber bands, with the head pointing up. This will become your catapult arm.

3  The crossbar

Build a crossbar by gluing two pieces of wood to a horizontal one. Use a protractor to see when the spoon’s angle is 45 degrees and glue the structure on either side.

RS53911_Catapult3-hpr

What you’ve learnt:

This simple home made experiment will show you how angles can affect trajectory, distance and power. You’ll soon learn that the best angle is 45 degrees, exactly halfway between being vertical and horizontal.

You have now successfully made your own home made catapult! Make sure you take a photo of your creation and send it to us on Facebook and Twitter!

Find more fun projects to try at home with the How It Works Book of Science Experiments, available to order online or download onto your digital device.