Let's Make This Catapult
Here are the materials you need to make this catapult. Ten popsicle sticks, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, a rubber band, and a roll of masking tape. The rubber band, when cut, should be at least 5 inches in length. Before you start making the catapult take a look at the popsicle sticks and make sure they aren't cracked or weak.
Some Masking tape Tips before you begin
There are some neat tricks that I use when applying masking tape and you should use these techniques.
 First off, cut yourself ten pieces of masking tape and stick them lightly to the table or the wall. This will make it easy to grab and use them.
Another great technique for using masking tape is to lay it on a table with the sticky side up. Then you can apply the craft sticks to it easily. And it makes taping two sticks together very easy.
Now cut the popsicle sticks so you end up with what you see in the picture above:
- 3 pieces that are two inches long
- 6 pieces that are four inches long
- 1 piece that is three inches long (leave one rounded end on it)
- 1 piece that is four inches long (leave one rounded end on it)
Now take two of the four inch pieces and two of the two inch pieces and tape them end to end so it looks like one big long stick. The sequence should be short stick, long stick, short stick, long stick. (like this picture):
I tape them using the technique I described in the taping technique above. I lay a piece of tape on the table with the sticky side up then press the two ends of the sticks onto it. Wrap the tape around them with three solid and tight wraps.
Now fold the assembly into a square and tape the final joint together. It should look like the picture here on the left. Use plenty of tape.
 Let's Continue with this tutorial on how to make a catapult
Popsicle sticks have been a staple of easy and creative fun for as long as there have been popsicles. A little glue, paint or other things can really set the creative wheels in motion. Here is a book of more projects with craft sticks
Look What You Can Make With Craft Sticks: Over 80 Pictured Crafts and Dozens of Other Ideas (Craft)
Want to build a bigger, better, more powerful or fancier catapult? There are some great books available to you. These books, available at Amazon.com will help take your catapult building to new heights! Pun intended!
The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery
Defending Your Castle
Kits and More Siege Engine Projects
Looking for a catapult kit?
Amazon.com also has catapult kits you can build
Working Wood Catapult DIY Kit, 6" X 5" X 10"
A fun, wooden catapult DIY kit for all ages to enjoy. Every piece is already pre-cut for you as you will not need to make other hard drilling work. All you need to do is assemble following the instruction and you will have a working catapult in no time. You may enjoy it with another friend or family to see this medieval wonder comes to life.
Leonardo DaVinci Catapult Kit
- Comes complete with all pieces pre-cut and ready to assemble
- Glue included
- Suitable for beginner model makers
- Easy to understand instructions
What good is a catapult if you don't have a castle to attack!
I have another project you might like. It is the Paper Castle and it has everything you could want in a castle making project including all the art work you can download. You just follow the instructions and make it yourself with some glue and cereal boxes. Build a Paper and Cardboard Castle It also has a learning sheet that helps to learn about castles when you are building it.
Here is a fun and easy little Onager Project. An Onager is a catapult that uses twisted string or rope for its power. This one is made out of popsicle sticks. Nice and fun project: The Popsicle Stick Onager
Here is a terrific little catapult built out of popsicle sticks and a rubber band. If you are looking for a powerful yet easy little catapult to build this one is it. Complete instructions with pictures here: How to build a popsicle stick catapult
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