Projectile Motion Activity
Posted March 1, 2009
on:I’ve been searching for a projectile motion activity/lab for my physical science class. I completely forgot about this one, and I’ve done it for years. We are going to make catapults from popsicle sticks, hot glue, rubber bands, and a spoon.
I like this lab because the hot glue allows for rapid build and repair, and there is a definite need for repair and modification in this project. The kids typically build the frame from the popsicle sticks and then try to attach the spoon with rubber bands. The spoon is the launcher for the catapult. Usually, they find there is no way to connect the rubber bands, so they start adding little posts. The next problem they encounter is the rubber bands aren’t tight enough so the object doesn’t launch very far. They then tighten the rubber bands and the frame starts to collapse. So they need to go back and reinforce the frame.
At this point one of three things happens.
- The catapult is improved and they start launching marshmallows.
- They realize they can rebuild the catapult rather quickly and so start all over and improve their design.
- The catapult falls apart, they attempt improvements, but basically give up.
The picture isn’t a great example, but it is a starting point.
28 Responses to "Projectile Motion Activity"
i badly need an activity for projectile. i’ve read your article and i really find it cool and easy to do. pls gve me the instructions in doing this activity…thank u very much!!!! pls mail me soon
I loved this idea for an activity. I need to integrate both mathematics and science concepts in a lesson. I intend on using quadratic equations and pairing them with the projectile motion. Is there anyway you can send me any more info regarding the activity? Thank you.
hey do you have instructions or a lab writeup for your projectile motion launcher. It looks like fun and I owuld like to use it.
sounds very interesting, may i please have a copy of the activity.
i really like this activity. could you please send me some more information about it?
How far does this catapult launch objects?
Im a brand new teacher who just graduated from college a few months ago. This is such an awesome resource for me. I truly appreciating you posting this. Thank you!!!
On my third try, making myself look like a fool. My name actually links to my class blog now.
Sorry wrong website.
too sickkk ^.^
I’m using it
I love your blog. Your ideas are fantastic, I’m considering the switch over to standards-based grading because of you!
Love this lab! Do you give them a limit for the number of sticks they can use? would love to do this lab and need to know what to buy.
1 | Michaela
March 12, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I’m a Junior High student [7th grade], and I stumbled across this site while looking for a polar molecule diagram. Very helpful. (: I’d also like to say that I’m finding all these posts well done and very interesting.
Keep on going!
Samantha
April 11, 2011 at 10:47 am
I’m a freshmen in High School and I agree as well! Keep up the good work! 🙂
Lulu
July 4, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Very interesting lab about projectile motion! I plan on doing it for physics. I am a junior in high school 😀