Student Page

Name__________________________________________________

Title: Catapult

Purpose: To build a catapult capable of flinging a marble a given distance away to hit the target.

Materials: one-cup milk carton, scissors, graph paper, one 2-inch rubber band per two students and other rubber band sizes as requested, toothpick, 2 pencils, tape, small match box, mini marshmallows, hole punch

Prediction:

Procedure: (see diagrams on next page)

1. Cut off the top of the milk carton and then cut the carton as show in diagram. Cut holes the size of a pencil in both sides and in the back.

2. Push a rubber band through the hole in the back and hold it in place with a toothpick. Push a pencil through the holes in the sides.

3. Cut the tray of a match box in half lengthwise. If you don't have a matchbox make one of a 3 by 5 card and tape. Using tape, attach the box to the sharpened end of the second pencil with the pencil to the outside.

4. Select one of the three rubber bands to complete the remainder of the procedure.

5. Lay the pencil across the other with the eraser end facing the front of the catapult. Loop the rubber band over the eraser end. Fold the front flap of the milk carton in, crease it, and tape it down.

6. Do a trial test of your catapult to make sure it works properly. Place a marshmallow in the holder, pull back the pencil, an then release. Make any adjustments needed, and modifications to make the catapult work better.

7. On your data, make a sketch of your catapult and the results of your throws.