Objective:

Explore the power of levers and force with this simple machine. Originally, catapults were designed for use during battles or wars. These days, they are used for all kinds of “machines”. Build your own fulcrum and catapult to see how far you can shoot a marble (or a marshmallow).

Learning Points:

• Explain what catapults, fulcrums and levers can be used for. • How do these make work easier? Where are they used today? • Explore the relationship between work, force and distance. • Explore the concept of mechanical advantage. • Measure the mechanical advantage of your catapult system with

reference to input distance and output distance.

Advanced Challenges: You understand the concept of a lever based catapult, now to take it to the next level and mix things up a bit! • Built a target and hone the accurate of your catapult. • What design changes are needed to increase mechanical advantage of

your catapult (and fling your marbles, or marshmallow further)? • Adapt your catapult using elastic bands to demonstrate the notions of

stored/kinetic energy.

Reference Materials: Making Marshmallow Catapults: http://www.life.illinois.edu/boast1/sciencelessons/levers.htm

Teach Engineering: Levers that Lift: https://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_simp_machines/cub_simp_machines_lesson03.xml

Teach Engineering: Catapults: https://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_catapult/cub_catapult_lesson01.xml

Discovery Education: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/motion-forces-energy-and-electricity.cfm

Teaching Channel: Fun with STEM: The Catapult Project: https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/stem-lesson-ideas-catapult-project

3Doodler LEGO

Challenge Series

Challenge No. 2: Catapult

Watch the Catapult in action on YouTube

3Doodler

LEGO

Marbles

ABS, PLA & FLEXY Plastic Strands

What You’ll Need: