BUILD YOUR OWN
CATAPULT
Have you ever heard the word catapult? This powerful weapon dates back to ancient history, over 2,500 years ago. Catapults work like giant slingshots! During battle, these machines launched heavy stones, spears, and even fireballs into the air. In medieval times, catapults were used to break through strong castles and city walls. The Mongols began using these weapons as a part of their siege warfare.
Catapults work by storing energy and quickly releasing this energy to launch an object into the air. To understand how this works,
you can build your very own miniature machine!
Take three potatoes and stick three skewers into the potatoes to make a triangle shape.
Take three more skewers and stick them into the top of the potatoes to make a pyramid shape. You will use the last potato to connect the skewers at the top of your pyramid
Tape the spoon to the end of the last skewer, then set it aside.
Loop the rubber band over the top potato.
Take the skewer with the spoon and slide it through the rubber band, then stick the skewer into one of the potatoes at the base of your pyramid.
You have just made a catapult! All you need now is some ammunition. Place a mini marshmallow or cereal onto the spoon, and pull it back to launch!