Build a Marshmallow Catapult

A bit of kitchen STEM

Materials

• 14 popsicle or craft sticks

• 1 spoon

• 3 rubber bands

• Mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Make a stack of 12 sticks

2. Secure with 2 rubber bands (one on each end)

3. Stack the two remaining craft sticks and secure at one end with another rubber band

4. Slide the end of a plastic spoon into the rubber band at the end of the two craft sticks

5. Spread the two craft sticks apart and slide the stack of 12 craft sticks in the middle with the spoon resting on top of the stack

6. To use the catapult, place a marshmallow on top of the spoon and push the spoon down slightly. Let the spoon go to launch the marshmallow into the air

Why it Works
When the marshmallow is put in the catapult and the spoon is pulled back, you are creating tension, which is force that is stored in the popsicle stick.  When that tension is released when you let go, that stored energy changes into kinetic energy for the marshmallow as it flies through the air (which means it’s in motion).

Adapted from The Tip Toe Fairy