Puff Ball Launchers

Please read the procedure before beginning! After reading, please watch the video. Some activities require more time and clean-up than others. You also have the choice of performing these activities in a way that suits your needs.

Not for children under 3 years. Adult supervision is required. Follow approved procedures

Materials

Catapult

· 10 Tongue Depressors

· 6 Rubber Bands

· Tiny Spoon

Slingshot

· Balloon

· Blunt Scissors

· Craft Roll

· Duct Tape

· Stickers

Engineering Challenge

· Paperclips

· Craft Sticks

· Cardboard

· Paper Cup

· Pipe Cleaners

· Other Building Materials (Optional)

Procedure

Catapult

1. Stack 8 popsicle sticks, and secure both ends using one rubber band for each. This will be the base of the catapult.

2. Stack 2 popsicle sticks, and secure on one end using one rubber band, This will be the lever.

3. Wedge the base into the open end of the lever. Center the base so that the pieces make a cross shape, with the base pushed towards the side of the lever with the rubber band so that the two tongue depressors that make the lever are a few inches apart on the opposite end.

4. Use two rubber bands to secure the lever to the base by placing them diagonally over the point where the lever and base intersect so that they form the shape of an X.

5. Use a rubber band to secure the spoon to the free end of the lever with the cup of the spoon facing upwards.

6. Load a puffball into the catapult, push down on the lever, and release it!

Slingshot

1. Cut the top end off of the balloon (see video for clarification).

2. Stretch the cut part of the balloon over one end of the craft roll so that the neck of the balloon is hanging off.

3. Wrap a piece of duct tape around the craft roll and over the balloon so that it’s secure.

4. Tie the neck of the balloon.

5. Decorate the slingshot with the stickers.

6. Place a few puff balls inside the craft roll, pull the balloon back, and release it!

Engineering Challenge

1. Using the provided materials in conjunction with building materials that you have in your home or classroom, design and build your own puff ball launcher.

2. How Is your design different from the catapult and slingshot? How is similar? Does it launch puff balls as high or as far as the other two launchers? Why or why not?

The Science Behind It

Today we will explore the science behind catapults and slingshots. You will discover the world of physics through forces, motion, and energy. Think of a roller coaster. The cars are pulled to the top of a steep hill and waiting at the top until the car rides down the hill through all the loops, turns, and twists.

Potential energy is energy is stored and has the chance to be released. This is happening during a roller coaster as you get higher and higher about to go down the hill. Think of a rubber band. Right before a person is about to launch a rubber band, the stored energy is getting bigger until it is launched through the air at the target.

Kinetic energy is energy in motion. At what point does this happen on a roller coaster? Kinetic energy is exhibited through a moving ball through the air, a car driving down the road, or a bowling ball moving down the lane. As soon the object stops, kinetic energy is transferred to potential energy.

How can we relate kinetic and potential energy to our catapults and slingshots? Have fun designing your very own launching device. How far can you launch an object and what target are you aiming for?