Popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list
For children building small tabletop catapults during a supervised classroom or home activity. The launch objects should stay lightweight and soft.
What to buy
Jumbo craft sticks
200
Rubber bands
100
Plastic bottle caps
30
Pom-poms
100
Cotton balls
100
Paper cups
30
Masking tape
2 rolls
Rulers
10
Pencils
20
Score sheets
25
Safety goggles
20
Large cardboard target board
1
Who this list is for
Use this popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list for children building small tabletop catapults in a supervised classroom or home activity. The included launch objects are soft and lightweight for simple target practice.
How to use this list
Give each group jumbo craft sticks, rubber bands, a plastic bottle cap, masking tape, a ruler, and pencils. Build the catapult base first, then add the bottle cap as a launcher. Place the large cardboard target board at a clear distance and use paper cups as targets or landing markers. Test with pom-poms and cotton balls, then record results on score sheets.
Common mistakes
Do not substitute hard or heavy launch objects for the listed pom-poms and cotton balls. Keep launches aimed at the target board, not at people, and have children wear the included safety goggles during testing. Avoid changing several parts of a catapult at once; measure, adjust one feature, and test again so teams can see what changed.
What is on this list
This list provides 200 jumbo craft sticks, 100 rubber bands, 30 plastic bottle caps, two rolls of masking tape, and 30 paper cups. It also includes 100 pom-poms, 100 cotton balls, 10 rulers, 20 pencils, 25 score sheets, 20 safety goggles, and one large cardboard target board. Cross off materials your classroom already has.
Day-of
Set a clear launch line and keep the target board in the same place for every team. Collect pom-poms and cotton balls between rounds, tally scores, and inspect each tabletop catapult before cleanup. Save reusable sticks, caps, goggles, rulers, and score sheets for another challenge.
FAQ
Who is "Popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list" for?
Use this popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list for children building small tabletop catapults in a supervised classroom or home activity. The included launch objects are soft and lightweight for simple target practice.
How should I use "Popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list"?
Give each group jumbo craft sticks, rubber bands, a plastic bottle cap, masking tape, a ruler, and pencils. Build the catapult base first, then add the bottle cap as a launcher. Place the large cardboard target board at a clear distance and use paper cups as targets or landing markers. Test with pom-poms and cotton balls, then record results on score sheets.
What should I skip or avoid with "Popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list"?
Do not substitute hard or heavy launch objects for the listed pom-poms and cotton balls. Keep launches aimed at the target board, not at people, and have children wear the included safety goggles during testing. Avoid changing several parts of a catapult at once; measure, adjust one feature, and test again so teams can see what changed.
What is on the "Popsicle stick catapult challenge supply list" list?
This list provides 200 jumbo craft sticks, 100 rubber bands, 30 plastic bottle caps, two rolls of masking tape, and 30 paper cups. It also includes 100 pom-poms, 100 cotton balls, 10 rulers, 20 pencils, 25 score sheets, 20 safety goggles, and one large cardboard target board. Cross off materials your classroom already has.
What should I check on the day of?
Set a clear launch line and keep the target board in the same place for every team. Collect pom-poms and cotton balls between rounds, tally scores, and inspect each tabletop catapult before cleanup. Save reusable sticks, caps, goggles, rulers, and score sheets for another challenge.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.