Try This STEM Activity for Kids: Craft Stick Catapult
Get ready to launch some fun! In this hands-on STEM activity, kids will build a simple catapult using craft sticks and everyday materials. Once it’s built, they can experiment with launching pom-poms and learn about force, motion, and engineering along the way.
The Craft Stick Catapult is a fun and engaging way to introduce young learners to basic physics concepts while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration. If you’re interested in more STEM activities for kids, check out our list of 90+ STEM Activities for Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade.
This easy science experiment is ideal for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary students with adult supervision.
What You’ll Need for the Craft Stick Catapult Experiment:
- Craft sticks (about 9)
- Rubber bands
- A plastic bottle cap
- Glue
- Pom-poms or other small, soft objects
Instructions for Making a Craft Stick Catapult:
Step 1: Stack Seven Craft Sticks Together
1
Stack seven craft sticks neatly on top of each other to create a sturdy base.
Step 2: Secure Each End
2
Wrap a rubber band tightly around each end of the stack to hold the sticks together.
Step 3: Slide a Stick into the Base
3
Slide one craft stick in between the stack of craft sticks, with one craft stick below it and six above it.
This will help form the base that allows the catapult to flex.
Step 4: Add a Stick on Top
4
Place a craft stick on top of the stack, and press down on one end of it so it touches the craft stick below it. Secure them together with a rubber band.
Step 5: Secure the Sticks
5
Crisscross a rubber band around the craft sticks on top and on the bottom. We recommend watching the video below to see how to complete this step.
This helps stabilize the structure of the catapult.
Step 6: Glue on the Cap
6
Glue a plastic bottle cap to the end of the top craft stick the does not have a rubber band around it. This will hold the pom-poms when launching.
Allow the glue to dry completely before using the catapult.
Step 7: Lift Off!
7
Place a pom-pom in the bottle cap, gently press down on the craft stick behind the bottle cap, and release.
Watch the pom pom fly!
Video Instructions
What’s the Science Behind the Catapult?
This catapult works by storing energy when the craft sticks are pressed down. When released, that stored energy turns into motion, launching the pom-pom into the air.
Kids are exploring basic physics concepts like force, motion, and energy—all while having fun.
Questions to Ask Your Child During the Activity:
- What happens when you press the stick down farther?
- Does the pom-pom go higher or farther with more force?
- What happens if you change the size or weight of what you launch?
- How could you redesign the catapult to make it stronger?
These questions help children practice critical thinking, prediction, and experimentation.
A Fun STEM Activity with Big Learning
The Craft Stick Catapult is a simple yet powerful way to bring STEM learning to life. By building, testing, and adjusting their designs, kids gain hands-on experience with engineering and physics concepts in a playful way.
