How to Make a Catapult Work

Begin your project by personalizing your wooden block. This item will function as the base of your catapult. Using markers or paint, create your own design on the wooden block. If you paint it, allow for one to two hours for the paint to dry before you continue on this project.

Glue two popsicle sticks to the front side of the wooden block. These sticks will create a more sturdy base for the catapult. Glue another popsicle stick along the top of the wooden block, running length-wise.

Lay two popsicle sticks end-to-end on top of a section of masking tape. Place a third stick on top of the first two popsicle sticks. This third stick must lay on top of both the first sticks at the same time. Place it right on top of the area where the first two sticks meet. Wrap these three sticks together with the section of masking tape. Make two more popsicle stick combinations just like this of the same length. These sticks will form the first triangle section of your catapult.

Place the three popsicle stick combinations end-to-end and tape them together in the shape of a triangle. Ensure that enough tape is used to make the triangle sturdy. Complete steps 3 and 4 two more times to make two additional popsicle stick triangles of equal length.

Hold two of the triangles side by side and tape them together. Add tape on one section to hold the two triangles together. You should be able to seperate them while taped together to create a space between the triangles.

Lay the third triangle on the table and insert it between the two taped triangles. The third triangle should slide right into place between the first two. Tape all three sections together to make one large triangle that will complete the frame of your catapult.

Place three popsicle sticks end to end on the table. Right next to those three sticks, place two more popsicle sticks end to end. These five popsicle sticks will create the arm of the catapult.

Place the two popsicle sticks on top of the three popsicle sticks and tape them together. The two sticks should cover the areas where the three sticks touch each other. Apply tape to hold all five sticks together.

Glue the bottle cap to one end of the catapult arm to act as the bowl for the catapult.

Wrap one end of the rubber band around the top part of the catapult arm, directly under the catapult cup. Use additional tape to keep it firmly in place.

Use tape to connect the opposite end of the catapult arm to the triangle base. The arm should be taped to the area where the three triangle formations are taped together.

Wrap the other end of the rubber band around the top of the triangle formation. Test out the triangle by pulling down on the catapult cup and releasing it into motion. Place an item such as a penny into the catapult cup and release it to see how far it travels.

Glue the catapult to the wooden block base. The base will ensure that you have a solid foundation to use when shooting items from your catapult.