Do you know what a catapult is? You might have seen one in a battle scene in a movie or tv show. The very first catapults were made by the ancient Greeks using simple machines like levers, ramps, and wheels. Simple machines are distinctive in that they have few or no moving parts, and they allow us to use less of our own energy and push, pull or lift objects.
Over the past week, the children have been studying all about simple and complex machines. In this activity, students built a small catapult using a lever made of craft sticks and rubber bands. Then they took aim and tested their launching skills.
These simple catapults helped students see how energy can be stored, transferred, and converted. As they tested the catapults to launch lightweight cotton balls, paper balls, and candies even, they explored the variables that come into play and explored the physics of projectiles. What controls how far the object flies? Can you hit your target? What is the best combination of catapult design and launch angle to make the cotton ball fly farthest?
It was so much fun! I LOVE to see true science in action.