7 craft sticks. You can use either the standard 4. 5" craft sticks, or the jumbo 6"craft sticks for this project. 4-5 elastic bands 1 bottle cap A hot glue gun and glue stick Ammunition: small marshmallows, beans, and pencil erasers are all great choices!
Consider adding a second elastic band to the joint to make sure it is secure.
10 standard (4. 5") craft sticks 4-5 elastic bands 1 bottle cap A hot glue gun and glue stick Ammunition: small marshmallows, beans, and pencil erasers are all great choices!
The more secure the attachment, the more spring you will get from your catapult.
Add a small dab of hot glue to each end of the stack and glue a craft stick to each end. Add another dab of glue to the end of each support you just added, and use an additional craft stick to attach the two ends, creating a rectangular base.
Cut or break off a 2-inch piece of craft stick. Add a dab of hot glue to the middle of the support beam that is parallel to the fulcrum stack, and attach the piece of craft stick. Thread an elastic band over the throwing arm, and pull the end under the base of the catapult and secure it to the craft stick stub you just created.
10 standard (4. 5") craft sticks 1 jumbo (6") craft stick 1 drinking straw 1 6" length of wooden dowel, with a small enough diameter to fit through the straw 1 elastic band Glue gun and glue stick 1 milk jug lid or large bottle cap Ammunition! Ping pong balls and grapes both work well with this catapult project.
The base should now form a rectangle with one end open, and the two uprights sticking up parallel to one another.
The throwing arm should now be able to rotate freely around the dowel on the straw, and the elastic band will put tension on the throwing arm as you pull it back. To create a strong bond with the throwing arm, use a pencil or other tool to press the elastic band firmly into the hot glue, and hold it for a few seconds until the glue cools. Do not use your fingers or you will burn yourself!
Attach the milk jug lid to the free end of the throwing arm with a dab of hot glue. Attach one additional craft stick horizontally to connect the slanted sides of the two uprights and provide additional stability. Add additional craft sticks to the bottom of the catapult that out as needed to keep the machine stable while firing.
