Materials:

- two 12 ounce soda pop cans (unopened)
- kitchen fork
- ten rubber bands (standard 3.5″ x 1/4″ size is optimal)
- cap from a plastic 2-liter bottle
-two pencils (equal length)
-masking tape

What to Do:

Watch YouTube video or follow the instructs below:

1. Place two soda cans next to each other–one standing up and one on its side. (figure 1)

2. Secure the cans in this position with two rubber bands: stretch one around the upper portion of the standing can and wrap it around the lower portion of the bottom can. Stretch the other around the upper portion of the standing can and wrap it around the upper portion of the bottom can. (figure 2 and 3)

3. Repeat step two.

4. Turn the standing can toward you. Insert a fork beneath the belt of rubber bands. The bottom side of the fork should be pressed against the surface of the can. (figure 4)

5. Make sure the belt of rubber bands are pushed to the upper part of the fork prongs to make room for the next step. (also figure 4)

6. Loop a rubber band between the last two left fork prongs and wrap it around the nearest (left) end of the bottom can. (figure 5 and 6)

7. Now loop a rubber band between the last two right fork prongs and wrap it around the nearest (right) end of the bottom can. (figure 5 and 6)

8. Push the fork and rubber bands to the top third portion of the can. (figure 7)

9. Create the catapult launch cup by attaching the cap (from a plastic 2-liter bottle) to the upper portion of the fork handle. Do not attach the cap to the very tip of the handle–leave approximately 3/4 inch free. Attach the cap by placing it against the handle and wrapping it with masking tape. Be sure to press the tape into the bottom of the cup as you loop around, so that the cup maintains its cavity. Make sure cap is securely in place. (figure 8 and 9)

10. Rubber band two pencils together (pencils should be equal length). Do this with two rubber bands–one left of center and one right of center. Do not over-fasten the pencils together. (figure 10)

11. Create the arc stop: Insert the fork prongs between the two pencils and slide the pencils approximately half way up the fork prongs. (figure 11)

12. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to secure the arc stop. (After using the catapult a few times, adjust the pencils up or down to achieve optimal arc.)

13. Your catapult is now complete. (figure 12)

How to Launch Objects:

Place object in launch cup, pull arm back and release.

Objects to Launch:

Cotton balls, Q-Tip tops, cut up sponge pieces, miniature marshmallows, dry beans, styrofoam balls, corks.

Games to Play:

-Set a bucket five or ten feet away from your catapult and see how many tries it takes to launch ten items into the bucket. The next player does the same thing. The player who requires the least amount of attempts is the winner.

-Each player launches five objects toward the base of a wall. Score a point for the three items that land closest to the wall. Play again. First player to reach fifteen points wins.

-One player launches three items and tries to land them as close together as possible. The next player does the same thing. The player whose items land closest together wins. (Note that the three items form a triangle; if necessary, measure the perimeter of each triangle to determine the winner.)

-Complete list of games: Catapult Games for Kids

The soda can catapult design for kids is sturdy, fun, and simple. You can build it in just a few minutes using everyday household items. If your interested in long term use, consider wrapping the cans in masking tape (before you begin assembly) in order to prevent puncturing. Overall, the design has several unique advantages:

• The bend of the fork tip provides a built-in fulcrum
• The tilt of the front can provides an ideal angle for the launch arm
• The two pencils that form the arc-stop allow you to adjust the angle of trajectory (45 degrees is optimal)

Best of luck–have fun with your new catapult!

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(Note: If you are using white cotton balls, for some of the games you’ll need to color code them with a marker to keep track of whose are whose.)

Games to Play with Catapults:

1. Open a desk or dresser drawer. Each player shoots five cotton balls. Score a point for each one that lands in the drawer. Play again. First to reach eleven points wins.

2. Each player launches five cotton balls at a loop of string. Score a point for each one that lands inside the loop. First to reach eleven points wins. Advanced: Make a loop inside the loop for 2x points.

3. Each player shoots five cotton balls at the base of a wall. Score a point for the three closest. Play again. First to reach eleven points wins.

4. Using playing cards, place 1 ten, 1 five and 4 twos on the floor. Each player launches a cotton ball and receives points based on the nearest playing card. Play again. First to reach twenty five points wins.

5. Take turns launching two cotton balls off a wall. Score a point for the player whose two cotton balls land closest together. First to reach eleven points wins.

6. The first player launches three cotton balls with the goal of landing them as close together as possible. Note the size of the triangle formed by the three balls (measure the perimeter if necessary). Repeat the process with each player. The player whose three cotton balls are closest together wins.

7. Use a shoebox or salad bowl for a target. Give each player ten cotton balls. See who can launch the most into the target.

Variations on Game 7:

8. Use a coin for a target. Each player launches five cotton balls at the target. Give a point to the three closest. Play again. First to reach eleven points wins.

9. Place an empty laundry basket against the wall. Each player launches ten cotton balls (bouncing off the wall if needed). The player who lands the most into the basket wins.

10. Cut a circle out of the middle of a poster board and hang it in a bedroom doorway. Each player shoots ten cotton balls. The player who makes the most through the circle wins.

Of course, all the catapult games are flexible enough to accommodate different ages and skill levels. (And you can always introduce a timer for added suspense!) Another variation is to make cotton balls available to players who provide correct answers to scholastic questions. For instance, before the game begins ten cotton balls are distributed one at a time to the player who is first to correctly answer a geography or math question (9×7, half of 12×3, the capital of Rhode Island, etc). That’s the great thing about catapults for kids–there’s a ton of ways you can play.

Have Fun!

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By now you’ve probably noticed there are lots of catapult designs for kids on this site. The number one question I get is…which one launches things the furthest? I receive a range of other questions, including–one time–which one fits best in a purse? (No kidding.) In any event, I’ve decided to rate the catapults according to some basic categories that might help you decide which one is best for you.

Categories:

Distance- which one launches things the furthest
Durability- how well does it hold up under heavy use
Ease of construction- how easy is it to put together
Ease of finding materials- likelihood of finding materials around the house
Easy to take to grandma’s- chances of making it to grandma’s and back
Looks good in science class- what’s the wow factor

The ratings are 1-10 (10=superior) as compared to the other catapults.

Easy to Make Catapult-Basic Design
Distance – 5
Durability – 8
Ease of construction – 10
Ease of finding materials – 10
Make it to grandma’s and back – 8
Looks good in science class – 5

Notes: Quick and super easy to assemble. Great starter catapult for Pre-schoolers.

Easy to Make Catapult- Fantastic Soda Can Design
Distance – 9
Durability – 10
Ease of construction – 8
Ease of finding materials – 9
Make it to grandma’s and back – 9
Looks good in science class – 10

Notes: Great arm tension and super durability. Definitely looks good in science class.

Easy to Make Catapult-Amazing Dimple Design
Distance – 7
Durability – 7
Ease of construction – 10
Ease of finding materials – 9
Make it to grandma’s and back – 7
Looks good in science class – 5

Notes: Design uses an oatmeal container, so if you like oatmeal, the materials are easy to find.

Easy to Make Catapult-Super Fling Design
Distance – 10
Durability – 10
Ease of construction – 7
Ease of finding materials – 9
Make it to grandma’s and back – 6
Looks good in science class – 10

Notes: Performs extremely well in the distance category, and offers an eccentric look.

Easy to Make Catapult-Egg Carton Design
Distance – 6
Durability – 6
Ease of construction – 6
Ease of finding materials – 10
Make it to grandma’s and back – 6
Looks good in science class – 7

Notes: This catapult is fun to make and it looks cool. Hurling power is modest.

Easy to Make Catapult -Brawny Launcher Design
Distance – 8
Durability – 10
Ease of construction – 8
Ease of finding materials – 10
Make it to grandma’s and back – 10
Looks good in science class – 8

Notes: This is a super sturdy design with notable hurling power.

Mini Catapult -Arc Tension Design
Distance – 7
Durability – 8
Ease of construction – 8
Ease of finding materials – 10
Make it to grandma’s and back – 5
Looks good in science class – 10

Notes: Impressive technical appearance, but slender chance of making it to grandma’s and back.

Mini Catapult -Bear Clamp Base Design
Distance – 7
Durability – 8
Ease of construction – 8
Ease of finding materials – 10
Make it to grandma’s and back – 5
Looks good in science class – 7

Notes: Unique, versatile technique stimulates kids’ own ideas for catapult making.

Keep in mind that the ratings are in comparison with one another. The Superfling Design, for instance, hurls things so far (20+ feet) that by comparison the other designs appear to have modest distance ratings. In other words, if the only catapult you make is the Arc-Tension Design, its launching power will seem quite normal. No doubt you will be motivated to tinker with the design to make it work better. But then–after all–that’s the fun of making catapults!

Have Fun!

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What You Need:
-empty egg carton
-scissors
-masking tape
-rubber bands
-teaspoon

What to Do:

1. Cut the egg carton in half. A cardboard carton works best, but you can also use styrofoam. (figure 1)

2. Stuff each socket with a ball of newspaper in order to reinforce the base of your catapult. (figure 2) Now close the lid and secure the carton with a rubber band. (figure 3)

3. Wrap two or more rubber bands (depending on the size/ strength) around the base of the carton, just below the opening in the middle. (figure 4)

4. Tape a rubber band to the end of the handle on a teaspoon. (figure 5.1) and (figure 5.2)

5. Insert the handle of the spoon beneath the rubber bands you wrapped around the base in step 3. (figure 6)

7. Now take the rubber band you taped to the handle of the spoon in step 4 and stretch it straight up and over the spoon and wrap it around the back of the carton. (figure 7) and (figure 8)

8. Now wrap two or more rubber bands (depending on the size/ strength) around the base of the carton, just above the opening in the middle. (figure 9)

9. Attach a “leash” to the spoon (not too tightly) by securing a rubber band between the the spoon and the top of the egg carton. Use tape as necessary. This “leash” will enable the catapult to launch objects on an arc instead of a line drive. Adjust tightness of leash to achieve optimal results. (figure 10 and 11)

10. Your catapult is now complete. (figure 11)

How to launch objects:

Pull back spoon. Insert small object. Point catapult in preferred direction, then release.

Objects to launch:

Paper balls, cut up sponge pieces, styrofoam balls, cotton balls, etc.

Games to play:

-Use a bucket or salad bowl for a target. Give each player ten objects and see who can make the most into the bucket. If objects are uniform, keep track by coloring them with a marker (for example: red for player one/ blue for player two).

-One player keeps launching objects at the bucket until three in a row are made. Now count how many objects were used. The next player does the same thing. The player who used the fewest objects wins.

-Place a coin on the floor. Each player launches five objects, trying to get as close to the coin as possible. Give points to the three closest objects. For example, two points for player one, and one point for player two. Keep playing until one player reaches eleven points.

Once you know how to build a catapult for kids, there’s an endless variety of games you can play and invent. Keep in mind that because your child was part of the building process, she will have a greater willingness to tinker with the mechanical design. Don’t be surprised in a few days if your child has taken complete ownership of the mechanical engineering behind the catapult.

Q: This egg carton design seems tricky. Do you have a more simple catapult design for kids?

A: Yes, these are more simple:
Easy to Make Catapult: Amazing Dimple Design
Easy to Make Catapult: Basic Design

Q: Do you have other designs?

A: Yes. All the catapult designs on this site are listed right here:
Catapult Designs for Kids

Have fun!

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Things You Need:

-oatmeal container
-rubber bands
-teaspoon

What to do:

All catapults have at least one thing in common: tension. The better it’s utilized, the better the design. As you proceed, note that the rim of the oatmeal container is perfectly suited for the task.

1. Remove the contents from an oatmeal container. (The container should be cylinder shaped.)

2. With the lid off, stand container upright. (figure 1)

3. Wrap four or five rubber bands around the container, several inches beneath the top. (figure 2)

4. Insert a teaspoon beneath the “belt” of rubber bands. The tip of the handle should be just below the rubber bands. (figure 3)

5. Optional: Insert a canned good inside the oatmeal container to give the base more weight.

How to launch stuff:

Simply place your item on the cup of the teaspoon, pull back and release.

Note that the rim of the container forms a dimple that allows the spoon to bend back easily every time. (figure 4) This produces a superior arc of trajectory (45 degrees is optimal). The result: stuff flies farther.

What to launch:

Paper balls, sponge pieces, cotton balls.

Games to play:

1. Place a shoebox several feet away from the catapult. Each player takes ten turns. The person who launches a cotton ball the most times into the shoebox wins.

2. Same as game one, except this time the person who makes it into the shoebox the most times in a row wins.

3. Make a tower using an empty paper towel dispenser. The first person to knock it down wins.

4. Lay a playing card several feet away. That’s your target. The person who launches a cotton ball closest to the target scores a point. (If you make it onto the playing card you score three points.) The first person to score ten points wins.

5. Same as game four, except this time each player shoots three cotton balls. (To keep track, use a marker to put red freckles on one player’s cotton balls.) Each player launches three cotton balls. Now give a point to the three that are nearest the target. For example–2 for plain and 1 for red freckles. First person to score ten points wins.

If you’ve been wondering how to make a catapult for kids, the dimple design offers a few key advantages. On the one hand, it’s easy to make. You don’t need any special tools, just a few basic things from around the house. On the other hand, it has the one thing that everybody wants: launching power. Some variations to pursue might include changing: the size of the spoon, the number of rubber bands, the height of the container.

Best of Luck!

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-invisible tape dispenser
-masking tape
-bag of assorted rubber bands
-sheet of paper
-teaspoon

1. Tape an invisible tape dispenser to a cutting board. Do this by passing strips of masking tape through the center of the dispenser and wrapping them around the bottom of the cutting board. Further secure the wrapped tape to the cutting board by taping over it in a perpendicular direction. Dispenser must be sturdy and unwobbling. (figure1)

2. Make a mini paper log. To make the log, fold an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper in half (lengthwise). Fold it again (lengthwise), then roll it up tightly. (figure 2)

3. Insert the paper log into the center of the dispenser. When you release the log, it will uncoil for a snug fit. (figure 3)

4. Secure a teaspoon to the arc of the dispenser. To do this, fasten it with rubber bands that are looped around the mini paper log. (figure 4)

5. Your catapult is now complete.

How to Launch Objects: Bend spoon back, insert object, release.

What Objects to Launch: Cotton balls, fluffy end of Q-tips, cut up sponge pieces.

Games to Play: If you make two of these catapults, two people can sit five or ten feet from each other and play the following games:

• Each person places a popcorn bowl in front of them. Now take turns launching cotton balls. The first person to land ten cotton balls in the other person’s bowl wins.
• Same game, except the person who is the first to make three in a row wins.
• Place a loop of string in the middle of the two players (still seated approximately ten feet apart). Each person launches ten cotton balls at the loop (color code them with a marker to keep track.) Give a point for each cotton ball that landed inside the loop. Play again. The first person to score twenty five points wins.
• Same game, except make a new small loop inside main loop. Cotton balls that land inside the small loop earn double points!

Of course, you will always be motivated to fidget with the design. You may want to add or subtract a rubber band. Or adjust the spoon up or down. Or try a different spoon. That’s the great part about catapults for kids. You can’t separate the fun from the science!

Good Luck!

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Materials:

-roll of tape from invisible tape dispenser
-masking tape
-bag of assorted rubber bands
-twistie tie (found on loaf of bread )
-cotton ball
-teaspoon

1. Remove tape roll from an invisible tape dispenser. (Roll of tape should not be empty.)

2. Fasten the roll of tape to the middle of a cutting board. Do this by inserting strips of masking tape through the center of the roll and wrapping them to the bottom of the cutting board. Tighten the bond of the wrapped tape by taping over it in a perpendicular direction. Roll of tape must be fastened securely to the cutting board so that it does not wobble. (figure 1)

3. Rest a teaspoon against the roll of tape. Fasten the base of the spoon to the cutting board with rubber bands. To do this, wrap rubber bands around the cutting board, then lift slightly and insert the base of the spoon beneath the rubber bands. Now secure the base of the spoon to the rubber bands with tape. (This device is called the “bear clamp base.”) (figure 2)

4. Tape a cotton ball to the bottom of the bear clamp base to muffle the noise of the teaspoon when the catapult is flung. (figure 3)

5. Install a safety belt around the middle of the spoon so that it stays in place when the catapult is flung. To do this, insert a twistie tie (or pipe cleaner, etc.) through the center of the tape roll and loosely tie it around the mid section of the spoon. The safety belt should have several inches of slack so that it doesn’t constrain the thrust of the spoon when the catapult is flung. (figure 4)

6. You have finished the Mini Catapult Bear Clamp Base Design (figure 5)

How to Launch Objects: Bend spoon back, insert object, release.

What Objects to Launch: Cotton balls, fluffy end of Q-tips, cut up sponge pieces.

Three additional design ideas for use with the bear clamp base design:

In place of the roll of tape, try using:
- a paint roller (used to paint the walls of a house)
-a tennis ball
-two bars of soap fastened together

Of course, there’s no end to the variety of household objects you can use with the bear clamp base design. Good luck!

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Materials:
-four newspapers
-bag of assorted rubber bands
-masking tape
-pencil
-table spoon

1. Roll a section of newspaper like a log. Secure the ends and middle with tape (figure 1)

2. Repeat until you have made four newspaper logs.

3. Stack three logs together—two on the bottom, one on top. Secure with rubber bands. (Do not wrap the rubber bands too close to the ends.) (figure 2)

4. Add one more log directly on top. Secure with rubber bands. (figure 3)

5. Insert a pencil just above the top two logs (and below the bottom two logs.) Pencil should be one or two inches from the end. Secure firmly with rubber bands. Pencil must not be loose or wobbly. (figure 4)

6. Wrap a rubber band around the two ends of the pencil and pull it toward you. (figure 5)

7. Insert a tablespoon in the surplus and then release the rubber band. Repeat procedure with three or four rubber bands so that spoon is held firmly in place. Be careful not to over-secure the spoon. (It must be able to bend back.) (figure 6)

8. Catapult is complete.

How to Launch Objects: Bend spoon back, insert object, release. Make adjustments to the height of the spoon for optimal performance.

What Objects to Launch: Cotton balls, fluffy end of Q-tips, cut up sponge pieces.

Good Targets: Bucket, paper towel dispenser, empty cereal box, open drawer, waste can, plant pot, sneaker, three playing cards standing in a triangle.

There’s nothing like a simple catapult design for kids to put the zest back into your day. The best part is matching your skills against another player. One easy game is simply to take turns launching stuff at a bucket and then counting the results. Of course, there’s plenty of variations on that game alone, and a long list of Other Games and activities to play. Good luck!

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What You Need:

-clear sandwich baggies
-masking tape
-lots of countable items: buttons, marbles, beans, beads, bottle caps, etc.

What to do:

Before the activity, label the baggies 1-10. Simply put a piece of masking tape on each of the baggies. Now write the number 1 on the first baggy, number 2 on the second baggy, etc. Have all your counting items in a bowl and ready to go.

Getting Started:

Let your child know that you’re going to play a counting activity. Empty the bowl of items onto the living room floor. Now help your child find one of something–one button, for example: put into the baggy labeled 1. Next, help your child find two of something–two beans, for example: put those in the baggy labeled 2. Next, help your child find three of something–three marbles, for example: put those in the baggy labeled 3. Keep going until you fill all ten bags.

Put the Bags in Order:

Now turn the baggies over, so the number is face down and no longer visible. Mix the order of the baggies. Now help your child order the baggies from 1-10. First find the bag with one item in it. Next find the bag with two items. Next find the bag with 3 items, etc. It may be necessary to empty the contents of a bag in order to count the items.

Number Detective:

Close your eyes and ask your child to remove one item from one of the bags. Have her put the item out of sight. Now open your eyes and play the part of a number detective. Examine the baggies and try to determine which one is missing an item. (To do this, simply arrange the baggies according to the number of items they contain.) Talk about the procedure as you investigate.

Switch Roles:

Ask your child to close her eyes. Remove one of the items from one of the baggies. Help your child investigate which baggy is missing an item. (Advanced: remove two items from one of the baggies. Now let your child investigate which items are missing.)

Make Number Patterns:

Remove items from the baggies. Arrange them on a tabletop in the shape of a pyramid (ten items for the base, one for the tip). Now remove two items (one from each end) from the row that has six things in it. Remove four items (two from each end) from the row that has seven things in it. Remove six items (three from each end) from the row that has eight things in it. Continue the pattern. The result will look like a diamond. What patterns can you make with the items that have been removed?

There are many variations to these counting activities for kids that you can pursue on your own. For example, in the beginning– only make two buttons, two bottle caps and three beans available. Now help your child decide what to do with the limitations that have been imposed.

Best of Luck!

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• It’s completely original
• It only takes a few minutes to make
• It uses household items you already have on hand
• It’s the perfect size to play games and activities

What You Need:

- newspaper
- tablespoon
- rubber band
- masking tape

What to Do:

1. Roll a section of newspaper like a log.(figure 1)

2. Secure the middle with tape. (figure 2)

3. Stretch a rubber band. Place the log of newspaper on top of it. (figure 3)

4. Loop the two ends of the rubber band to the top of the log. Pass one end of the rubber band through the other. Hold the surplus with your finger. (figure 4)

5. Stick the end of a tablespoon through the surplus rubber band. (figure 5)

6. Adjust the spoon so that its length is approximately 1/2 way through the rubber band.

7. Tape the ends of the log to your tabletop (or to a place mat so you can move it around).

8. The catapult is now complete. (figure 6)

Note- This is a starter catapult. For a Complete List of designs, see Catapult Designs for Kids

What Objects to Hurl: Cotton balls, Q-tips, cut up sponge pieces.

How to Hurl Objects: Use three or more fingers. Press down quickly on the handle of the spoon. (Tip: to hurl objects further, adjust the spoon so that the greater length is to the rounded end of the spoon.)

Games and Activities:

1. Place a bowl 6 to 12 inches away from the catapult. See how many cotton balls in a row you can shoot into the bowl.

2. Same as game one, except this time give each person ten cotton balls. Person who shoots the most into the bowl wins.

3. Make a tower using three rigatoni (log-style) noodles. See how many times it takes to knock down the tower.

(Variation: Launch half a dozen Q-tips at once.)

4. Lay a roll of masking tape its side. That’s your target. Now each person flings a cotton ball toward the target. Closest wins a point. (If you make it in the center of the roll you win three points.) First person to ten points wins.

5. Use a marker to make red freckles on three cotton balls, and
blue freckles on three others. Again lay the roll of masking tape its side. You child shoots her three, and you shoot yours. Give a point to the three closest. For example–2 for red and 1 for blue. First person to reach ten points wins.

Show me your complete list of Catapult Games.

There’s nothing like a homemade catapult for kids to stimulate lots of new activities. The activities are simple, wholesome and engaging. Best of all, the easy to make catapult has plenty of room for your child’s imagination and ingenuity. Don’t be surprised to see your child experimenting with a longer spoon, two spoons, thicker roll of newspaper, etc. Half the fun is tinkering with the design! Good luck!

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