Get able to shoot some hoops with a enjoyable DIY mini basketball sport made out of craft sticks, cardboard, and a straw. It is a enjoyable approach to find out about vitality whereas constructing a easy machine for a function.
The problem is to make use of your engineering expertise to design, construct after which play with a mini basketball sport.
Mini Basketball STEM Problem
You will want
7 craft or lolly sticks
4 elastic bands
Desk tennis ball or different small gentle ball
Craft supplies
Tape
Directions
Observe my directions for making a easy lollystick catapult.
Collect collectively craft and recycled supplies to construct a basketball web.
Take a look at your catapult and web!
Use my FREE STEM Problem sheet to assist along with your design.
Issues to consider
- The ball should match via the ring.
- The basketball hoop have to be free-standing.
A lolly stick catapult is a implausible demonstration of switch of vitality. When the catapult arm is pushed down, it shops potential vitality, which is transferred to the ball as kinetic vitality when the arm is launched.
How does a catapult work?
When the catapult arm is launched, it springs again to its unique form, and the rubber bands contract, propelling the arm upwards. Kinetic vitality is transferred from the catapult arm to the ball, which good points kinetic vitality and is launched into the air.
Elements that have an effect on a lollystick catapult
The quantity of saved vitality – the additional the arm is pushed down, the extra elastic potential vitality is saved, resulting in a extra highly effective launch.
The angle of the launch – for max horizontal distance, the launch angle needs to be about 45 levels.
The load of the ball—lighter projectiles normally fly additional than heavier balls when the identical quantity of power is used, as much less power is required to speed up them.
Flexibility of the sticks and elastic bands – extra versatile supplies can retailer extra vitality.
Final Up to date on June 6, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
