Ping Pong Catapult | S.T.E.M. Craft

Library Listings – Terrebonne Parish Library | March 2019
February 1, 2019
Get Moving With Thibodaux Regional Medical Center | Let’s Get Moving!
February 1, 2019
Library Listings – Terrebonne Parish Library | March 2019
February 1, 2019
Get Moving With Thibodaux Regional Medical Center | Let’s Get Moving!
February 1, 2019

READY SET LAUNCH

This simple machine uses stored energy (the tension in the rubber bands) to release a projectile (called the payload). Play around with the position of the stopper to get the maximum angle and distance for your launch! Got a pet that fetches? This will keep your child and pet busy for hours!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Single hole punch
• Rectangular box, such as a child’s shoe box
• 3 unsharpened pencils
• Several strong rubber bands
• Masking tape or glue
• Jar lid
• Large paper clip


Tips: If your pencil is a little short for the width of the box, use rubber bands on the ends of the pencil to keep the pencil from falling. If your rubber band holding the stopper pencil won’t go around the box, knot two together to make a custom length. You can use any soft object to launch, such as pom-poms or even rolled up socks.

WHAT TO DO:

STEP 1
Punch a hole in a long side of the box, 3 in. from a short side. Punch a matching hole on the other side. The holes should be large enough for a pencil to rotate easily. Punch a third hole on the opposite short side; it should be centered and near the bottom.
STEP 2
Assemble the catapult arm: Join 2 pencils together perpendicularly to make an inverted lowercase t; secure them with rubber bands.
STEP 3
Tape or glue a small jar lid to the longer end of the arm as shown.
STEP 4
Wrap another rubber band around the shorter end of the arm using a slipknot.
STEP 5
Place the ends of the horizontal pencil in the side holes. Thread the tail of the slipknot (from Step 4) through the remaining hole, and knot a paper clip around the end to hold it in place.
STEP 6
Create a “stopper” for the catapult arm with the third pencil. Place it across the top of the box just in front of the arm; secure it in place by wrapping a large rubber band around one end of the pencil, under the box, and up and around the other end.
STEP 7
Load it up… and let ’em fly!