Turn a classic popsicle-stick catapult into a rigorous, print-and-go STEM investigation. Students test how pullback angle (tension) affects projectile distance, practicing the full scientific method from variables and fair tests to data analysis and evidence-based conclusions.

A clear teacher guide explains the science of elastic potential energy, projectile motion, and drag/accuracy, so you can teach with confidence. Minimal materials make this an easy win for one or two class periods.

What’s Included

• Teacher Guide: setup, safety, pacing, and background science
• Student Packet: driving question, hypothesis prompts, variables/controls table
• Procedures & Data Sheets: five pullbacks (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) with 10 launches per angle
• Summary & Graphing Pages: average-by-angle table and graph template (Average Distance vs Pullback Angle) + printable graph paper
• Analysis & Model Answers: four prompts with sample data and exemplar responses
• Rubric & Extensions: simplified rubric plus optional investigations (projectile mass at best pullback, alternate catapult builds)

Why Teachers Love It

• Engaging hands-on build with tight structure and accountability
• Real lab skills: consistent procedure, clean data, meaningful graphs
• Easy materials (craft sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoon, pom-pom)
• Flexible pacing for single-period or two-day investigations

Best For

• Grades 6–10 general science and STEM
• Scientific method and variables practice
• Data analysis, graphing, and CER writing
• STEM days, performance tasks, stations, or sub-friendly plans

Materials Needed

• Craft-stick catapults (identical build), rubber bands, plastic spoon, pom-poms (or marshmallows)
• Protractor/angle cards, tape for launch line, measuring tape/meter tape
• Student handouts, clipboards, pencils, floor space or hallway lane

➡️ You can get this STEM as well as all my other ones in this series inside my STEM Investigations Growing Bundle. As more labs are added, the price will increase. CLICK HERE to have a look

I also have the following STEM Labs in My Store:

• Blow Cup Challenge STEM Lab
• Paper Table STEM Lab
• Pendulum STEM Lab
• Parachute STEM Lab
• Catapult STEM Lab
• Paper Airplane - Angle of Attack STEM Lab
• Bottle Flip STEM Lab
• Paper Helicopter STEM Lab
• Yeast Balloon STEM Lab
• Balloon Lift Design STEM Lab
• Candy Combustion Calorimetry STEM
• Marble Ramp: Height vs Average Speed STEM Lab
• Clean Water Filtration STEM Lab
• Beetle Genetics STEM Lab
• Adaptations by Design - Extreme Environments STEM Lab

NGSS Alignment

• MS-ETS1-1 Define criteria & constraints of a design problem
• MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process
• MS-ETS1-3 Analyze test data to improve design solutions
• MS-PS2-2 Plan and conduct an investigation showing how forces and mass affect motion
• Science & Engineering Practices: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations; Analyzing & Interpreting Data; Constructing Explanations; Engaging in Argument from Evidence