Learn how your kids can make a craft stick catapult. Your kids will have fun catapulting cotton balls across the floor. This kids craft is a fun educational STEAM activity.

My kids had a blast playing with these catapults. My daughter decided she was going to make a target that she can shoot at.

Are you looking for a way to make math fun? This catapult STEAM activity can easily be made into an educational activity.

If your kids are young, you can talk to them about which cotton ball went the farthest and which one went the least distance.

If your kids are older, you can have them measure how far the cotton balls went. My kids love measuring with a tape measure.

For extra math practice, you can have them calculate the difference between 2 cotton balls. For example, if cotton ball A went 10 inches and cotton ball B went 5 inches, what is the difference between the two?

Don’t worry if you don’t have time to make this activity an educational opportunity (I totally understand). Your kids will have a blast just catapulting cotton balls (and hopefully give you time to get something done).

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Keep reading for more kids activities.

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Craft Stick Catapult Supplies

• 7 craft sticks
• 3 rubber bands
• 1 water bottle cap, soda cap or milk cap
• glue
• cotton balls or pom poms

Craft Stick Catapult Instructions

Stack 5 craft sticks together. Wrap a rubber band around each end of the stack of craft sticks. Make sure the rubber bands are tightly wrapped around the ends. See picture.

Stack 2 craft sticks together and wrap a rubber band tightly around 1 end. See picture.

With the stack of 2 craft sticks, pull the sticks apart at the open end. Slide the stack of 5 craft sticks between the 2 craft sticks, as far down as they can go. See picture.

Glue the water bottle cap to the top of the catapult. See picture. Let glue dry completely.

To use catapult, place a cotton ball into the cap. Push down on the cap and then release. You should see the cotton ball fly through the air.

Enjoy your craft stick catapult.

Ways To Modify This Craft

I have seen catapults made with a plastic spoon. Instead of gluing on a water bottle cap, you can wrap a plastic spoon around the top of the catapult.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a water bottle cap or plastic spoon. Just put the cotton ball on the top of the catapult and press down, then release. It still works.

Other Kids Activities You May Enjoy

Check out this penny boat challenge for another fun educational activity.

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This cookie monster puppet craft will keep your kids busy.