Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Design and build a launcher using a variety of materials to shoot small balls or marshmallows.

Items Needed:

• Cardboard tubes or PVC pipes
• Rubber bands
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• Small balls like ping pong balls
• Ruler or measuring tape

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–35 min):

Note: Provide only the challenge and supplies to the youth so they can create their own designs, using the steps below merely as a guide to offer hints if they get stuck.

1. Build the frame. (10–15 min)
   • Use cardboard tubes or pipes to create and secure a base structure.
2. Attach rubber bands. (5 min)
   • Stretch rubber bands tightly across their frame to act as the launching mechanism.
3. Prepare the launcher. (2–6 min)
   • Create a holder for the ball and attach it to the rubber bands.
4. Test and adjust. (3–10 min)
   • Place a ball in the holder, pull back the rubber bands, and release to launch.
   • (Optional) Try launching balls at different angles or distances to see how their design performs.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

• Alternate Instructions: Ball Launcher Challenge by Science Buddies
• Alternate Instructions: Peeps Launcher by Team Cartwright (uses paper towel tube instead of cups)
• Alternate Instructions: Popsicle Stick Catapult by Science Buddies (uses popsicle sticks instead of cups)

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