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How to Make a Small & Easy Catapult

When you think of a catapult, you probably think of that huge wood structure ancient armies used to throw large rocks and other projectiles at the opposition. But the term "catapult" can be used to describe more than just these archaic weapons; think of a slingshot or the tool on aircraft carriers that launches fighter jets---these are both catapults. To create your own small and easy catapult, you'll only need a few office supplies.

Things You'll Need

Elastic band
Paper clamp

Instructions

- 1
  Make your elastic band smaller and tighter by looping it around itself.
- 2
  Place the elastic bland around the metal ends of the paper clamp. The elastic should fit snugly around the clamp, but it should not force the clamp open. The elastic should be about a 1/2 inch away from the black part of the clamp.
- 3
  Place the paper clamp upright on a flat surface so that it is standing on its metal ends. With the elastic around the clamp, the clamp should look like an "A."
- 4
  Insert a pen through the structure beside the right metal end. Insert it under the black clamp and on top of the elastic band. Pull the pen through until half of it is sticking out on either side of the clamp.
- 5
  Lay the clamp down so that the left metal end is lying flat. The right metal end should be perpendicular to the left metal end and the flat surface. The pen should be sitting atop the black part of the clamp horizontal to the flat surface.
- 6
  Place a projectile---such as a crumpled piece of paper---on top of the pen where the elastic meets the metal end that is perpendicular to the flat surface. Hold the projectile in place with one of your hands.
- 7
  Pull back the metal end of the clamp with your other hand and let it go. The projectile will go flying.

Construction Toys