Skip to main content

Novel Coronavirus — May 19, 2022 Update: Explore Scouts Canada’s actions as we continue to follow the direction of government and health agencies in maintaining public health. View recommendations and stay informed here. Learn more about Scouts Canada's new vaccination mandate.

Catapults

Building catapults can be fun! How far can it go?

Back to Activity Finder

Plan

  • Do you want to do this adventure inside, outside or at camp?
  • What do you know about catapults? How does a catapult work?
  • What materials will you use to build your catapult?
  • How big will your catapults be?
  • How will you decide which catapult design is best?
  • Where will you set up a testing area for your catapults?
  • What will you use for targets?

Do

  • Collect all of the materials you want to use.
  • Explore your materials, and build a few prototypes. Which works best?
  • How can you change the distance your projectile travels?
  • How can you change how well it aims?
  • How many targets can you hit?

Review

  • What do you know now that you did not know before?
  • What decisions did you make while building your catapult?
  • What designs worked the best? How did you decide which designs were the best?
  • Where do you see similar machines in everyday life?
  • What did you like about this adventure?
  • What did you not like? How would you do this adventure differently?
  • What elements of STEM did you use in this adventure? Science? Technology? Engineering? Mathematics?
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map

Materials

  • Craft sticks
  • Plastic spoons
  • Wooden clothespins
  • Bottle caps
  • Rubber bands
  • Any other materials for your catapult
  • Wood glue
  • Tape
  • Projectiles (e.g. ping pong balls, pompoms or mini marshmallows
  • Targets (e.g. plastic bowls or card houses)

Keep it Simple

Take it Further

  • What can you build using your pioneering skills?

Get in Touch

1-888-855-3336

Submit a Request

Scouts Canada Charity Number: 107761694RR0028

Navigation

Learn More about Scouts Canada