Popsicle Stick Mechanics

EI Editor Posted On May 29, 2020 | Toys and Games

Grab some simple supplies to support STEM learning with a DIY catapult and lever, perfect for introducing key principles of science and engineering!

Ages: 5+

Grades: K +

Supplies:

• Popsicle sticks

• Tape

• Rubber bands

• Spoon

• Pom poms or gummy candy

Procedure:

DIY CATAPULT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=4gdvvcxehOM&feature=emb_logo1. Stack 5 Popsicle sticks and secure them together with a rubber band at each end. You can also tape them together.

2. Stack two Popsicle sticks and wrap a rubber band about 1” from one of the ends.

3. Pull the two Popsicle sticks apart at the unbanded end and place the stack of 5 sticks in the middle. Tie a rubber band around the top Popsicle stick and the stack of 5 sticks.

4. Place a plastic spoon on the top Popsicle stick, with the spoon facing upward and the top third of the spoon unsupported. Secure it with a rubber band or tape.

5. Place a pom pom (or piece of cereal or marshmallow) in the spoon, press it down gently, and release! Can you guess where the pom pom will land?

6. Practice with your catapult and see if you can reach different targets from the same starting place by changing your launch angle. You can also try adding a bigger stack of sticks in the middle to see if that changes the distance your catapult can launch.

LEVER

1. Stack 3 Popsicle sticks together and tape them so they don’t move.

2. Use one Popsicle stick as a lever and try to lift up a book.

3. Move the 3 Popsicle sticks closer to and further from the book. Does that change how easy or hard it is to lift the book?

4. Is it easier or harder if you only use 1 Popsicle stick under the lever? What if you use 5 or 10 Popsicle sticks?

Structural EngineeringSupplies:

• Toothpicks

• Gummy candy

• Popsicle sticks

Use popsicle sticks, toothpicks, and gummy candy to build cities. Then test your building skills to see if it can hold different objects like a book or an apple. How much weight can your buildings hold?

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