Tap into engineering skills with this fun STEM activity for Kids. Build a paper ball launcher with a few supplies you already have on hand.
Supplies
- 5 rubber bands
- A plastic cup
- Paperclip
- Scissors
- A piece of paper
How to Build a ball launcher
Start by partially unfold the paper clip and use the end to poke a hole in the cup’s bottom. Depending on the durability of the cup you are using you may need to use something sharper like a push pin.
When you have a hole in the bottom of the cup stick the paper clip through the hole so that about ½ an inch is stick out of the bottom. Bend the ½ inch to the side so it will not slip through the hole. Next manipulate the top of the paper clip so it is a hook.
Wrap one rubber band around the outside rim of the cup, this will be your anchor rubber band. Then cut the remaining four rubber bands in half.
Take the first cut rubber band and tie one end to the anchor rubber band. Then pull it across the cup and under the hook of the paperclip. Then tie the other end to the anchor band. Repeat this step with the remaining three cut rubber bands, making sure each band is under the hook in the center of the cup.
How to Use a Paper Ball Launcher
Crumple the paper into a ball. The tighter the ball is crumpled the further it will fly. Next pull the paperclip backwards, place the paper ball in the nest of the rubber bands and let it go!
The launcher works best when slightly tipped upwards. This allows the paper ball to rest directly on the rubber bands and thus fly further when you let go of the paperclip.
Make it a Challenge: Ask kids to see how far they can make it fly. Have them manipulate the way they hold the launcher, how they pull back the paperclip or every with the engineering of the launcher.
More STEM Activities
If you like making the paper ball launcher you may enjoy Craft stick catapult building. This fun STEM activity uses supplies you already have on hand and challenges kids to build a functional catapult!
