Popsicle Stick Catapult (4th-5th)

Materials:
A spoon
Rubber bands
Popsicle sticks
Tape
An object to launch (cotton ball or marshmallow)

Steps:
Build the foundation: Stack 6–8 popsicle sticks and wrap a rubber band tightly around both ends of the stack.
Build the launching arm: Take 2 popsicle sticks and place them on either side of the plastic spoon handle. Rubber band them together near the middle so the spoon is held tightly.
Assemble the catapult: Slide the spoon end between the top and bottom of the stacked base sticks. Position it closer to one end (not the center).
Test and improve it! Place the projectile in the spoon. Hold the base down, pull the spoon back, and release. Possible adjustments: Move the spoon forward or backward, add or remove rubber bands, change the angle.
Compete against your friends to see who can launch the projectile the farthest!

Reflection questions:
What changes made it go farther?
Did pulling back farther always help?
How did angle affect distance?
What would you improve with more materials?