These flying cups are a fantastic STEM problem for any time of yr. One cup acts as an elastic band launcher, and the opposite is launched into the air! It is a enjoyable technique to study forces, movement, elasticity and gravity!
When the cup to be launched pushes down on the elastic bands, they change into stretched, storing elastic potential vitality. When the cup is launched, the potential vitality within the elastic bands is transformed into kinetic vitality, which is then transferred to the flying cup, launching it into the air.
Flying Bat and Pumpkin STEM Problem
Supplies
- 3 paper cups
- 2 elastic bands
- Sellotape
- Pencil
- Card and paper to brighten – non-obligatory
Directions
Utilizing a pointy pencil, rigorously poke 4 holes within the cup as proven under. Ask an grownup to assist.
Minimize the elastic bands right into a single, lengthy strip.
Thread the elastic bands via the holes within the cup as proven and safe the ends with tape. That is the mechanism that may catapult the paper cup bats into the air. Put this cup inside one other cup (that is simply so it seems higher and isn’t obligatory).
Embellish a second paper cup to appear like a bat or different Halloween theme.
Push a embellished cup right into a cup with elastic bands and let go.
It ought to shoot up into the air.
What is going on on?
When the elastic bands within the launcher cup are stretched, vitality is saved within the bands. We name this elastic potential vitality. The extra the elastic band is stretched, the extra potential vitality it has.
The elastic potential vitality saved within the stretched bands is first transformed into kinetic vitality because the bands contract. This kinetic vitality is then transferred to the paper cup, launching it into the air.
Take care to not stretch the elastic bands an excessive amount of, as if they’re stretched past their elastic restrict, they change into broken and will not spring again.
For those who loved this exercise, remember to offer my different Halloween STEM challenges a strive.
Final Up to date on October 23, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
