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How to Build a Simple Catapult

Back in the '50s a slingshot dangling from a child's back pocket was a common sight. Often blamed for broken windows and yelping dogs, the slingshot -- a simple catapult -- was used to propel small objects through the air to hit a predetermined target somewhere in the distance. Start a slingshot revival in your own home by making a simple catapult. For safety's sake, only allow soft objects to be catapulted because of the risk of injury and damage to person and property.

Things You'll Need

Y-shaped sturdy stick
18 inches of elastic
Coarse sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Find a suitable sturdy stick of a "Y" shape. You may wish to find a large branch that is "forked" and break the long branches off to a shorter size to make a suitable stick to grasp while aiming at your target.
- 2
  Peel the bark off your forked stick and smooth the rough edges with coarse sandpaper. This ensures your "grasping" hand remains splinter and blister-free.
- 3
  Tie a piece of elastic securely to both ends of the fork.
- 4
  Pull hard on the tied elastic to make sure it won't break on its first use. Tug the elastic a few times to its full extent. If the ties come undone; retie them more securely this time.
- 5
  Test your new catapult with a gummy bear or spitball, making sure you aim at a target.

Childrens Toys