The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Popsicle Stick Catapult
Popsicle Stick Catapult
A [6th] grade STEM lesson
Marily Jucal
April 25, 2024
Notes for teachers
It can be done inside the classroom.
Students may be paired or grouped according to your preference.
Students will have a great time launching their marshmallow across the classroom.
List of Materials
meter stick
notebook/ white board for recording the
distance
markers
small marshmallows
5 small popsicle sticks
2 large popsicle sticks
3 rubber bands
Standards
Science Standard
MS-PS3-1. Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.
Standards
Math Standard:
Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram.
ELA Standards:
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Objectives:�Today we will:
1. Review addition of integers.
2. Construct Popsicle Stick Catapult.
3. Record the distance travel of the marshmallow and compare the distance between first and second launch.
4. Write down a reflection about the activity.
Agenda
Time: 60 minutes
Review adding integers and write addition of integer problems with answers on the popsicle sticks.
Discuss historical background and uses of catapult.
Name the parts of the catapult.
Build a popsicle catapult and test it.
Record the distance launch of the marshmallow.
Review Addition of Integers.
Adding signed numbers.
Students are given the time to create their addition of integer problems with answers and write on the big popsicle sticks. They can write problems as many as they can.
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
Do you recognized the picture on right sides?
A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines.
This is a weapon used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to propel fire balls, arrows and darts to the enemy. It’s a large engine that is used to hurl stones from a single long arm swinging through the vertical plane.
What are the parts of the catapult?
Base - acts as the fulcrum
Arm - propel payload
Frame - anchor and support the arm
How catapult works?�
The catapult works when the potential energy stored in a stretched rubber band is converted to kinetic energy when it snaps back to its loose shape, moving the catapult arm—and the projectile!
The arm moves when catapult is launch. Tension is created when twisted the rope or rubber band. When the tension is suddenly released, it transfers the stored energy to the catapult arm, causing it to swing rapidly and launch the projectile.
Building a popsicle stick catapult:
1. Make a stack of 5 small popsicle sticks. Use 2 rubber bands to wrap each end of the stacked popsicles.
2. Insert 1 large popsicle stick between the first and second small popsicle stick in the 5 - stacked popsicles.
3. Place the second large popsicle stick under the fifth popsicle stick of the 5 - stacked popsicles.
4. Line up the two large popsicle sticks and tie them together at just end. Try to tie the band as close
as you can to the edge of the 2 stick bundle.
How to launch the catapult?
Hold the catapult with one hand, and use the other hand to pull the lever down. Release to launch your marshmallow. The closer the five sticks banded together gets to the edge of the fulcrum, the more leverage the catapult will have.
Test your catapult and record the distance of the marshmallow. Compare the distance between two launches. ��
GrGroup no. /Name | LaunDistance Traveled ( inches) Launch 1 Launch 2 | |
1 | | |
2 | | |
3 | | |
4 | | |
Closure: (How do we assess our work?)� The students may write a reflection note about the activity.�� Share with the rest of the class: If you could change something or perform more launches, what would you change about your catapult and why?� �� � �� �
Assessment :
1. What is a catapult?
2. How does a catapult work?
3. What are the parts of the catapult?
4. Describe the distance of the launch when you push more the end of the catapult.
Differentiation
Instruct to follow their instruction sheet. Help those who are not into the task.
Encourage students to ask questions and to measure correctly ( distance of the launch by their catapult)
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Allow students to explore more materials in building a catapult. They can make their own versions of catapult, design it and test it to discover which design can launch the farthest.
Students can experiment the amount of force will be needed when pushing down the end of the catapult to launch the furthest.