Marshmallow catapult how to#

Mini marshmallows work brilliantly in the catapult, but you can set up experiments to see which type of marshmallow launch the furthest or highest. Make sure not to pull too hard, as the spoon, stick or rubber band might break under too much pressure. To use the launcher, place a marshmallow into the spoon and pull back until the rubber band is stretched, then let it go and watch to see where the marshmallow lands.

Note that the stick should be underneath the peak, running through the structure, not outside it, and the spoon should be facing upwards.ħ.

Thread the stick with the spoon attached through this loose rubber band, and push it into one of the marshmallows on the base of the launcher. Next, place a rubber band over the peak of the pyramid - do not wrap it tightly, as this is part of the catapult mechanism rather than something to make the structure strong.Ħ. Take another stick and use tape to securely attach it to the handle of the plastic spoon.ĥ. For added strength, wrap masking tape around the marshmallow so that it doesn't break when you use the launcher.Ĥ. Wrap a rubber band around the three sticks at the peak of the pyramid, to make sure they stay together. With this triangle laying flat on the table, push an upright stick into each of the three marshmallows, then bring the three sticks together in the middle, securing them in a single marshmallow at the top. Push each stick halfway into the marshmallow, making sure not to push it all the way through - you can wrap some masking tape around the skewer where it enters the marshmallow to keep it from pushing further in.Ģ. Start by making a triangle using three of the sticks and three marshmallows. What You'll Need For A Basic Marshmallow Launcher:Ĥ marshmallows (regular-sized marshmallows work best).ġ.

Marshmallow catapult how to#

Image © It's Always Autumn How To Make A Marshmallow Launcher If your kids enjoy making these simple machines then there are lots of resources available that will teach them about the history, physics and engineering involved in designing and making launchers and catapults. Some names you might have heard of include the ballista, the springald, the mangonel and the trebuchet. This kinetic energy is transferred to the object in the catapult (the marshmallow), which is what makes it fly through the air.Ĭatapults have been used throughout history, and there are lots of different designs and types. So, the 'elastic potential energy' that is stored in the machine changes to 'kinetic energy', or the energy of motion, when the arm is released. When the arm is pushed down or pulled back, lots of potential energy is stored in it, which is released when the arm is allowed to spring back to its original position. This is typically a wooden stick or plank that is secured at one end, with a missile (in this case, a marshmallow) on the other end. This is a cheap project to make, and kids will love assembling the simple structure before seeing who can launch their marshmallows the furthest!Ī catapult works because of the tension that is stored in the machine's arm. Make a marshmallow catapult following our simple instructions, and then get creative adapting the design to see how it changes the results. Marshmallow launchers are a great way to transform simple household materials into a fun game, whilst also providing a chance to learn some basic physics and experiment with engineering.