This resource introduces the concept of levers, the three classes of levers and examples of typical applications.Īfter completing this Easter themed engineering resource students will be able to describe the three classes of lever and they will be able to make a structure.ĭownload the free Build a popsicle stick catapult activity sheet below!Īll activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Most catapult designs are based upon the principles of levers. The specialists who constructed this were purportedly called ‘onager-neers’ which eventually became ‘engineers’. One particular type of catapult was the ‘onager’ – this was named after a type of wild donkey that was well-known for having a vicious kick. When laying siege to towns and castles, it was common practice for skilled specialists to build catapults in an attempt to break down defences and demoralise the defenders. ![]() The word ‘engineer’ was originally used to describe people responsible for building siege weapons in ancient times. The principles of levers are also used in many applications when designing sports equipment, such as cricket bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks. These include pliers, scissors, brake pedals and wheels and axles. ![]() Levers are one of the simplest machines and are used in many applications. Pencils (or similar, such as dowel rods).Small elastic bands (at least 7 per learner, plus spares).This activity will take approximately 50 – 70 minutes to complete. Use our free activity sheet to make your own DIY catapult and then compete with your friends to see whose catapult fires the chocolate mini egg the furthest! This resource involves making a simple catapult which works as a lever to propel a chocolate or mini egg. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This lesson plan is perfect for KS3 students and can be used as a fun one-off main activity to introduce levers.Īctivity: Build a popsicle stick catapult With the right materials, you can build a simple yet effective homemade catapult capable of launching chocolate eggs up into the air! This is an exciting and engaging way to learn about physics and engineering. the spoon)įulcrum: the supporting point of a lever (eg.Develop an understanding of levers and build a popsicle stick catapult from craft sticks with this free STEM lesson plan. Lever: the bar that rests on the fulcrum (eg. Trajectory: the curved path an object follows upon being launched into the air. Projectile: the object being launched (eg, the pom-pom) Try to launch as high or as far as you can! Then try to use your catapult to hit a target! Key Vocabulary You can do this by adjusting the position of the lever and/or fulcrum and testing your catapult again.Įxperiment with your catapult design to change the projectile’s path. Make any changes and/or additions to your catapult. Observe the projectile’s trajectory and measure the distance between where it started and where it ended. Once you’ve built your catapult, test it out by launching the projectile. Step 5: Use two rubber bands to secure where the popsicle sticks cross, with two diagonal ties to create an X. Step 4: Bend the two Popsicle sticks away from the spoon’s handle and insert the stack of 5 Popsicle sticks into the gap. Step 3: Lay the final Popsicle stick again along the back of the spoon’s handle and attach it also with a rubber band. Step 2: Lay 1 Popsicle stick along the back of the spoon’s handle and attach it using a rubber band at the end. Step 1: Stack 5 Popsicle sticks and tie them together with a rubber band on either end. You’ll need: 7 wooden Popsicle sticks, a plastic spoon, and a handful of rubber bands.
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