Ball Launcher Design
Challenge
Make a catapult that will launch a ping pong ball the furthest distance in a straight line.
One point will be deducted for foot the ping pong ball lands from the center line.
Consumable Materials
• 1 plastic spoon
• 2 rubber bands
• 8 craft sticks
• 2 straws
• • 12 inches of masking tape (given day 2 only)
• • Elmer’s glue
• • 1 piece of cardboard
• • 10 inches of string
Non- Consumable Materials
• scissors • • ping pong ball (given day 2 only)
Design Rules
1. Complete launcher construction by the end of class on Friday.
2. Use only materials provided. You do not have to use all of the materials.
3. Launcher must be portable.
4. You will not be able to touch the ball when launching. The ball may not be pushed,
pulled, or thrown by the student. The ball cannot be fixed/adhered to anything.
5. The launcher will be judged by the distance the ball flies before hitting the ground.
We will mark the first place the ball hits the ground.
6. You may only use two fingers when launching your catapult. Again, you cannot touch
the ball.
7. You will get 3 trials the day of testing
*DO NOT launch a ping-pong ball towards ANYONE. You will be given a
lunch detention and book work for the remaining activity period.