| A catapult is any apparatus used to hurl an object | | | | side turned up and put 2 Popsicle sticks end to end on |
| over large spaces without the aid of explosive | | | | the tape and push them firmly onto the tape. Take a |
| devices. Catapult was most typically used in wars to | | | | third stick and lay it on top of the two sticks so that |
| hurl rocks, and flaming objects at a besieged city. Even | | | | the middle of the third stick is just on top of the ends |
| now a catapult is still a very effective mechanism in | | | | of the other two sticks below. Wrap the tape firmly |
| warfare however, it has been improved from the old | | | | around all three sticks at least twice. |
| siege engines used in medieval times. | | | | Make 2 more of these combinations and put all 3 of |
| If you are interested in catapults and how they work, | | | | them end to end and tape them together, wrapping |
| you can make it a small venture to create one | | | | the tape at least 3 times around each joint. Fold up the |
| yourself or with a few friends. Here are a few | | | | sticks into a triangle and ensure all the ends are taped |
| instructions on how you can make a simple catapult | | | | together firmly to make a triangle. Duplicate the |
| using popsicle sticks. The tips here are for a small | | | | method mentioned above and build 2 other triangles |
| table-top catapult but a big catapult functions on the | | | | for a total of 3. |
| same principles and ought to work the same way if | | | | Hold 2 of the triangles together side by side and tape |
| you make it with these guidelines. | | | | one wall of them together. Then lay the lone triangle |
| Required Tools | | | | flat on the table and open the untapped ends of the |
| Masking tape | | | | other two triangles and place them right around of the |
| Scissors | | | | one on the table. The one on the table should slip |
| X-acto knife (optional) | | | | directly between the spread ends of the two other |
| Paper about 6 inches square | | | | triangles. Next tape it all together. |
| Required Materials | | | | Put 3 sticks end to end with 2 sticks on top as was |
| 32 Popsicle sticks | | | | done in the first step and tape them all together to |
| Pencil | | | | make the arm of the catapult. Then it is time to create |
| Rubber band | | | | the holder of the catapult. You may use a plastic cork |
| Instructions | | | | if you have one small enough or you can make a cup |
| First it must be noted that if you cannot be troubled to | | | | out of paper, and tape it just about an inch from one |
| make your catapult from scratch and fuss around to | | | | end of your catapult arm. |
| get it perfect. You can go ahead and order a catapult | | | | Next wrap one end of the rubber band about the |
| plan or a catapult kit that will include step-by-step | | | | catapult arm just under the cup and tape it in place. |
| instructions, pre-drilled holes, pre-cut wood, and all the | | | | Use tape to furthermore lock the other end of the |
| nuts, bolts and other pieces you will need for | | | | rubber band to the top of the catapult right where all |
| construction. | | | | the triangles meet and you |
| Spread out a bit of the masking tape with the sticky | | | | |