SCIENCE DUNGEON
Catapult Lab
Test range
Stored elastic energy → force → flight → gravity
Mission: land within 0.25 m of the yellow target. Change one variable, predict, then test.
Trial notebook
Results stay only in this browser tab for this session.
| Trial | Angle | Power | Mass | Target | Landed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run a trial to begin your notebook. | ||||||
What the lab is showing
- Elastic energy: pulling back bends the arm and stretches the rubber-band system, storing energy.
- Force and motion: release transfers energy through the spoon to the projectile.
- Gravity: pulls the projectile down throughout its curved flight.
- Fair testing: hold all but one variable steady and record every trial.
Digital model: this is a simplified trajectory. Real launches vary with build quality, rubber bands, release, air, and the actual projectile.
Real-world safety
Source note: the linked “Build a mini catapult” post specifies only “small projectiles that fit in the spoon” and contains no published safety section. For any real launch, use a safe, soft, spoon-fitting projectile; keep faces and eyes clear; use adult or teacher supervision when appropriate; and never aim at people or animals. Stop if the build feels unstable.
Build steps from the activity
- Make a stack of 7 craft popsicle sticks.
- Secure them together with a rubber band at each end.
- Make a stack of two craft sticks and secure them with a rubber band at one end.
- Pull the two sticks apart and wedge the stack of 7 sticks between them.
- Secure the plastic spoon to the upper stick with the handle pointing towards the rubber band.
- To launch: place a projectile in the spoon, push down, and release.
Materials in the source: craft popsicle sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoon, and small projectiles that fit in the spoon.