Make catapult

Science

• The child learned about potential energy and kinetic energy as they observed how the catapult stored and released energy.
• They learned about force and motion as they saw how the release of the catapult caused the projectile to move in a specific direction.
• The child learned about the concept of levers and how the lever arm was used in the construction of the catapult.
• They also learned about the importance of stability and balance in the design of the catapult to ensure it functioned properly.

Continued development related to the activity could involve exploring different designs and materials for the catapult, experimenting with different variables such as the angle and force of the launch, or even participating in a catapult-building competition.

Book Recommendations

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba: This book tells the inspiring true story of a young boy in Malawi who builds a windmill from scrap materials to bring electricity to his village.
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: This captivating novel follows the adventures of a young boy who lives in a train station and becomes involved in the world of automata and filmmaking.
• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires: This picture book tells the story of a girl who sets out to build something magnificent but faces challenges along the way. It teaches perseverance and the importance of creativity in problem-solving.