Large Groups
A demonstration of how a catapult works and an activity which asks students to build their own helps them understand the concept of force and its effect on an object.
Instructional Procedures
More Complicated Catapults
Additional Resources
Books
Backyard Ballistics, by William Gurstelle; ISBN 1-55652-375-0
Using a variety of easily found tools children will have an opportunity to observe, participate in creating and use catapults and levers. The children should understand the ideas of balance, force, motion, push and pull.
2. Manifest scientific attitudes and interests.
4. Communicate effectively using science language and reasoning.
Invitation to Learn
A pre-catapult launch -- collect a variety of lever type objects such as paint sticks, plastic serving spoons, rulers and other items so that each small group of students will have one or more to try. Crumpled paper balls or giant marshmallows can be used for launching -- in fact, both are preferable. The marshmallows must not be eaten but marked with the individual's initials, so that the missile may be reclaimed!
Instructional Procedures
Curriculum Extensions/Adaptations/ Integration
More Complicated Catapults
The students may use scissors, ruler and glue to help build the catapults, but they may not be part of the catapult itself. Allow the students to examine the contents of the bag and discuss the items and brainstorm before building; 5 minutes is a good amount of time. Allow the students to build for approximately 30 minutes and set a timer. As the students build ask them about their design and remind them of what the lever is and does. When the time is up, test the catapults! The target can be used again. Everyone will start the same distance from the target and the results will be measured and charted! Display their machines with the distance the paper or marshmallow flew. Add another experiment card to the Science Journal Pocket Folder, a photo of the machine is helpful.
Family Connections
Research Basis
U.S. Department of Education. Office of Communications and Outreach. Helping Your Child Learn Science, Washington, D.C.
This article contains information about science and science activities that can be done simply at home and at other sites. There are multiple suggestions for working with teachers and within the school system along with a list of science related sources that does include books, magazines, science camps and other information. It helps a parent discuss science and "find" science in the community where the family resides.