DIY Catapult

Level: Intermediate

Intermediate projects can typically be completed with 1-3 tools. Assembly can be completed in 45 - 75 minutes, and we recommend 60 - 90 minutes for planning and personalization. This project is appropriate for students in grades 3 and above.

Objective: Construct a DIY catapult

Students will use basic carpentry skills to build their very own DIY catapult. Students will have an opportunity to get creative and decorate their catapult, helping them express their interests and personality. After assembly and decoration, students will also get to participate in games with a target to aim their velcro balls and score the most points.

Instructors then have an opportunity to reinforce learnings by prompting questions such as:

• What skills were required for you to assemble the catapult?

• Why was it so important to hammer the second upright in place evenly across each dowel?

• Why do you think adding the second rubberband allows the catapult arm to launch the Velcro ball farther?

• How was this project different from or the same as other projects you have built?

Supplies & Materials:

The following supplies & materials are included with each project class set:

• Wood parts for assembly

• Dowels

• Rubber bands

• Screw

• Eye-hook

• Velcro balls

• Catapult velcro target

• Wood glue & rag for cleaning

• Hardware tray

• Sandpaper

• Safety glasses

• Pencils

• Notebooks for planning

Art supplies and tools (#2 Phillips head screwdriver and hammer) are not included but can be provided upon request. All necessary tools for this project are included in our standard toolset.