Introduction
Do you want to build a catapult but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone!
For centuries, people have been creating catapults to help them wage wars, clear obstacles, and even launch pumpkins for entertainment. That’s why, in this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions for building a catapult, as well as additional information on their history and science. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to create a working catapult completely on your own!
How to Build a Simple Catapult
The first step to building a catapult is to gather the materials. You will need:
- 4 popsicle sticks
- 2 rubber bands
- 1 plastic spoon
- Small plastic bottle cap or pom pom
Once you have your materials on the hand, follow these simple steps:
- Take two of the popsicle sticks and secure them together with the rubber bands on one end. Leave the other ends free.
- Take the other two popsicle sticks and place them parallel to each other, about the width of a spoon apart.
- Secure them together using the rubber bands on each end. The location where the sticks overlap should be in the middle.
- Take the popsicle stick you made in Step 1 and place it perpendicularly on top of the two sticks from Step 2. It should be centered between the two sticks. Secure with a rubber band on both ends.
- Attach the spoon to the popsicle stick that is sticking up. You can do it by balancing it on top and securing it with a rubber band.
- Put the small bottle cap or pom pom on the spoon, pull back on the spoon, and let your projectile fly!
If your catapult is not launching the projectile far enough, you can try adjusting the position of the spoon higher or lower on the popsicle stick.
The History of Catapults
Since the invention of the catapult, many different designs have been created to serve various purposes. The first recorded use of a catapult was by the Ancient Greeks in 399 BC. The original design featured a bucket on a lever.
Throughout history, many different types of catapults emerged. The ballista, for example, was created by the Greeks to fire arrows, while the trebuchet, used during the Middle Ages, was used to launch large rocks.
Catapults operate based on simple physics principles. They use potential energy when their projectile is pulled back, which is then converted into kinetic energy when it’s released. It is the same principle behind the launch of space shuttles.
DIY Video Tutorial
For those who are more visual learners, we’ve also created a video tutorial on how to build a simple catapult. This tutorial will require household items, including a plastic spoon, rubber bands, and a container lid. Follow along with the video for step-by-step instructions:
As you can see, just a few household items can quickly transform into a humble catapult that can launch anything from tiny cotton swabs to small balls.
Types of Catapults
There are many different types of catapults, and each was used for diverse purposes throughout history. Here are some examples
The Trebuchet
The trebuchet is a French invention that consists of a swinging arm and counterweight to launch projectiles. Step-by-step instructions on how to make this impressive, medieval-style catapult can be found in multiple online tutorials.
The Ballista
The ballista was another ancient weapon that was first used by the Greeks. It was designed to launch multiple arrows at once, much like a giant crossbow. The instructions on how to make this more complex, arrow-shooting catapult can also be found online.
Beginner’s Guide
The instructions above may be too complicated for children or beginners. Here is a simplified version:
- Take two popsicle sticks and stick them together at one end with a rubber band.
- Take the tip of the other popsicle stick and line it up on the rubber band, making a triangle-shaped structure.
- Use additional rubber bands to secure the two sticks together.
- Attach a small container or plastic cap to the end that’s pointing up, and your simple catapult is ready to go!
If children are excited and motivated, they can add modifications like an extra rubber band or a bigger spoon.
The Science of Catapults
If you are interested in physics, you might want to spend more time exploring how catapults work and the science behind them. You can build a simple lever-powered catapult to demonstrate some of the physics principles involved, such as Newton’s Third Law (action and reaction) or potential and kinetic energy. Online videos and guides will lead through the process.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve explored a variety of different types of catapults and how they work, we hope you feel inspired to create your own. Whether you are building a medieval trebuchet or a simple spoon style catapult, you are sure to have a great time creating and launching projectiles.
