How to Make Catapults Using a Paper Clip

Look at the paper clip. Each clip has an outer loop of wire and an inner loop of wire that is formed with an end of the wire. Grasp the top of the loop of the inner ring and pull it out so that it stands at about a 45-degree angle from the outer ring. The large loop forms the base of your catapult while the smaller loop makes the arm.

Bend a holder into the catapult. Arrange the paper clip so that you look at it with the arm in the air and pointed away from you. Grasp the end of the wire that forms the inner loop with needle-nosed pliers. Bend it 90 degrees inward to close the loop. Now grasp the wire halfway between the bend you just made and the top of the loop. Bend it toward you so that a section of wire in the shape of an "L" stands away from the arm. This forms the frame for your projectile holder.

Cut a strip of cardboard slightly wider than your paperclip catapult and about half the length of its base. Bend the strip of cardboard in half lengthwise, then place it so that it rests on the frame for your projectile holder. Half of the strip should rest along the top part of the arm, while the other half should rest on the "L" shaped piece of metal that sticks out from the arm. If cardboard is unavailable, you can use a piece of plastic or a strip of tape folded over on itself with the sticky side on the inside of the fold.

Attach the cardboard strip to the catapult with two strips of tape. Use one strip to attach it to the top of the arm of the catapult and one strip to attach it to the frame for the projectile holder. Place a projectile, such as a wad of paper, in the projectile holder and hold down the base of the catapult. Pull back the arm toward the base; then release it to fire your new catapult.