STEM Starters: Catapult

STEM Starters provide students with essential tools to complete hands-on projects. When combined with everyday items, these materials can be used to design and execute a project using creative exploration and the engineering design process. By approaching a problem or a challenge with this thought process, children are able to make educated guesses, problem-solve, and learn without the fear of making a mistake. Perfect for individuals or small groups.

This STEM Starters: Catapult activity kit challenges students to create their own catapult. The essential pieces plus an 8-page parent/teacher guide are provided; it’s up to the young scientists to determine the best combination of materials to design their own creation. Six pom-poms in three different weights serve as projectiles. Using the engineering design process, students will create, evaluate, and redesign their simple machine until their objective is met. Includes enough materials to begin 6 catapult devices. 100 total pieces.

ESSENTIAL PIECES:
• 6 paper straws
• 6 pom-poms
• 12 rubber bands
• 6 wooden dowels
• 6 plastic cups
• 60 craft sticks
• 4 paper blocks