![]() It has kinetic energy that grows as the potential energy decreases. Once we let go, the ball moves and goes flying. It is not moving, so it does not have any kinetic energy. When the catapult is pulled back, the ball has all potential energy. The potential energy and the kinetic energy always add to the same total energy. This helps explain further how the catapult turns being pulled back into forward motion. Conservation of EnergyĬonservation of Energy tells us that energy can not be created or destroyed, but it can be changed from one form to another. Once we let go the spoon starts moving and gains kinetic energy, and this is what causes your projectile to fly through the air. In our catapult we pull back the spoon, giving it potential energy. As it starts rolling faster, it gains kinetic energy and loses potential energy. Once the ball starts rolling that potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. It has this potential energy because of its position, it could roll down the ramp. While it is just sitting on top of the ramp and not moving it has potential energy. So how do potential energy and kinetic energy work together?Ī good example is to think of a ball on top of a ramp. Once the spoon is released and starts moving back to its original position, that is kinetic energy. When you pull the spoon and stick back and hold it in place, that is the potential energy stored up. Potential energy isn’t the energy of motion, it is energy that is waiting to happen. It is there due to the object’s position or due to the state it is in. Potential energy is the stored energy in an object. That’s the short version of how catapults work. They work by storing up potential energy, then changing that into kinetic energy which sends the projectile flying. How Do Catapults Work?Ĭatapults are a great way to explain energy to kids. They are already fascinated, just slip in some fun facts. That makes it perfect to get kids excited about the science behind it. Yes, it is important to be careful when we do it, but it’s still fun. (And even if you are.) Chances are that won’t cause major injuries, but it can really hurt to be snapped by a rubber band, especially if it is unexpected.Ĭheck out these other fun science activities! Make sure your child understands that rubber bands can snap back if you aren’t careful. Make sure children aim away from their own faces. Even with small, soft items children need to be taught how to use them properly.ĭo not launch anything at anyone’s face and especially their eyes. This is a pretty safe activity, but it is important to remember you are creating a projectile. I prefer using a spoon because it gives a little more stability and helps the balls fly further, but both ways work. Glue the lid on the end of your catapult and place your puffball there to launch. Instead of using a spoon, you can also take a bottle cap from an orange juice or a milk jug. In fact, it is a valuable learning experience for your children to see you adapt and improvise. It is okay if your STEM project doesn’t look perfect. How do I know this? Because I’ve had to do it. ![]() No plastic spoons around? No problem, you can use a spork and it works just fine. Seriously, a simple popsicle stick catapult design can be made with so many household items. I’ll give some alternatives to them further down.ĭIY popsicle stick catapults are a great STEM activity because you can make them with so many different items. If you don’t have any of these items, don’t worry. Puff Balls, Mini Marshmallows, Pom Poms, or Small Plastic Ball.If you do crafts regularly you probably already have them in your supplies! You only need a few items to make these awesome DIY catapults. So here are the full directions and explanations for year-round fun! (Scroll to the bottom for free printable instructions!) Craft Stick Catapult Supplies And this is too much fun to leave for just the holidays. (You can see it with other fun holiday activities: 5 Minute Christmas STEM Activities.) It is perfect for shooting ‘snowballs’ all winter long.īut a lot of people have told me how much they like it and wanted more information. We originally did this activity a few years ago as a snowball shooter. ![]()
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