Trick-or-Treat Catapults -Launch candy across the room

🍬 Sweet Siege: The Candy Catapult Challenge

Inquiry Question

How does the design of your catapult affect how far (and accurately) it can launch candy?

🎯 Challenge

Build a working catapult using only dowel rods, rubber bands, and a cup. Then, test how changes in your design affect launch distance and accuracy.

⚙️ Materials

• 12 dowel rods (12” long, 3/8” diameter)

• Rubber bands

• Cup (for candy holder)

• Low-temp glue gun

• Candy or soft launch items

🛠️ Build Steps

1. Make the Base:
Use rubber bands to connect rods into a “T” shape, then add three more rods to form a square base.

2. Build the Frame:
Add 1 vertical rod on each corner. On the front side, connect the tops with a horizontal rod.

3. Add the Support Bar:
On the back side, place a horizontal rod a few inches lower than the front. Connect all top corners.

4. Create the Arm:
Attach two dowels together for a long shooting arm. Wrap a rubber band between the arm and frame for tension.

5. Add the Launcher:
Glue the bottle cap to the end of the arm to hold your “ammunition.”

6. Test Fire!
Place your candy in the cap, pull down the arm, and release.

🔬 Experiment and Improve

Try changing one thing at a time:

• Add or tighten rubber bands – how does this affect power?

• Adjust the launch angle – what changes?

• Test different projectiles – which travels farthest?

• Compare dry vs. wet sponge bombs – what happens?

💡 STEM Connection

Your catapult stores potential energy in the stretched rubber bands. When released, that energy turns into kinetic energy, launching your candy! Engineers use the same principles to design machines, bridges, and even roller coasters.