Catapults Take Shape and Launch

Following the criteria (no more then 3 rubber bands, must launch material at least 3 meters) our 6th grade students have been making catapults for their science class. So now, after imagining, planning, creating prototypes, improving, creating laser cutter plans, cutting, and glueing, the 6th grade catapults are ready to test.

Testing began by weighing out clay catapult balls so that everyone was launching the same mass (Yes, I know, technically, mass and weight are not exactly the same).

Then outside they went to test their creations. Using protractors, they launched at a variety of degrees, each time measuring the distance their projectile traveled.