In my former life I spent several years as a primary school teacher and one of my very favorite units was on the design, history and workings of trebuchets and catapults. Kids (and adults, let’s face it) are fascinated by these devices. There’s something undeniably cool about being able to launch something with not a lot more than beams, pressure and gravity. This project is always a favorite with kids and my children love to whip them up on rainy days for tossing mini marshmallows across the room at each other. The best part is that it requires only three materials, and just a tad of glue. No mess needed (expect for the volley of mini marshmallows sure to sail your way)!

Difficulty level: Easy
Time required: 10 minutes

Things you’ll need:
Popsicle sticks
Rubber bands
Bottle cap
Hot glue gun and glue sticks or craft glue

Things to do:
1. Stack 6 or 7 craft sticks on top of one another and use two rubber bands to hold them together near each end.

2. Lay two more craft sticks perpendicular to the stack, one on top and one on bottom. Pinch one of the ends together and secure with another rubber band.

3. Attach the two pieces and create the tension needed to make the catapult spring by wrapping a rubber band in an X where the two pieces meet.
4. Glue the bottle cap at the top of the catapult arm and allow it to dry before using.

5. Rest a marshmallow in the bottle cap, press down and let it fly!