Written by Here at Science Sparks, we love a good catapult. They are easy to make and great for teaching basic engineering principles and learning about energy and forces, including elasticity, elastic energy, potential energy and kinetic energy.
This simple cranberry catapult includes a free downloadable target to use as an optional extra.
Cranberry Catapult STEM Challenge
You’ll need
Lolly sticks or craft sticks
Elastic bands
A milk carton lid
Double-sided tape
Cranberries
Instructions
Follow the instructions in this post to make a basic lollystick catapult or watch the video below.
Print the target and catapult cranberries to find out who can get the highest score.
Catapult Investigation Ideas
Catapults are great as part of a science investigation. Remember only to change one variable at a time.
Try using a light table tennis ball instead of a cranberry.
Add extra or fewer sticks to the central part of the catapult, thinking about how this could change the flight of the cranberries.
Make the throwing arm shorter or longer.
Cranberry Catapult Target
As an optional, fun extra, print the target below and use it with your catapult.
More catapult science ideas
Design and build a giant catapult! These are great for using in the garden.
Create a shoebox catapult. These work brilliantly and would be a fun classroom STEM project.
You might also enjoy my ultimate list of Christmas science experiments!
Last Updated on December 31, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
The post Cranberry Catapult STEM Challenge appeared first on Science Experiments for Kids.
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