Materials & Parts
What holds the catapult together and provides tension?
Rubber bands
How many sticks make the base stack?
5 sticks
What should you never aim the catapult at?
People or animals
What is the typical launch range?
1–5 meters
How many launches should you record in one test?
3 launches
What holds the projectile?
A spoon or bottle cap
How many sticks make the arm?
2 sticks
How far should the clear zone extend in front?
1–2 meters
What average distance does the setup with 4 medium bands achieve?
2.5 meters
Name one change you could make to improve the catapult.
The average
How many rubber bands are listed in the materials kit?
4 rubber bands
What must the joint allow the arm to do?
Pivot
Who should supervise cutting or pulling tightly?
An adult
What can cause the launch distance to vary?
Design, tension, and setup
Why should you change only one thing at a time?
To identify which change caused the result
How many popsicle sticks are listed in the materials kit?
7 popsicle sticks
What is the first step in building the catapult?
Stack 5 sticks and wrap one end with a rubber band
Name two hazards mentioned in the safety instructions.
Rubber bands snapping; projectiles bouncing
Design A launches 1–2 m; Design B launches 3–5 m. Which design performs better, and why?
Design B, because it launches farther and more consistently
After making an improvement, what should you do to determine whether it worked?
Repeat 3 launches and compare the new average with the old average
What holds the projectile?
A foam ball or rolled paper ball
What shape forms when the arm is placed perpendicular to the base?
A T-shape
Why should everyone stand behind the launcher line?
To stay out of the projectile's path
What average distance does the 5-stick base with 2 medium bands achieve?
4.0 meters
What do you calculate from three launch distances?
Add a band, tighten the pivot, or change the spoon angle