This Marshmallow Catapult is a Fun STEM Activity for Kids

This marshmallow catapult is a fun STEM activity for kids! To be honest, I’ve always wanted to make a catapult myself and this kid-made catapult is awesome.

marshmallow catapults for kid science projects with spoons and popsicle sticks with marshmallows on a blue and white polka dot background

Marshmallow Catapult

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I have come up with some awesome July 4th activities, like fun flag wands and paper fireworks. But, far and above, the best July 4th kids activity that has engaged the kids the most has been this marshmallow catapult.

This STEM craft is easy to make but the elements fun to change, making it a great learning tool. The kids around here played with it forever and was one of the best ways to keep them engaged with a little summer science fun. Let’s get started.

No Time to Make This Now? Pin it for Later

Pin this to your favorite STEM activities board on Pinterest and it’ll be here for when you’re ready.

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Tips for How to Make a Catapult

  • All rubber band sizes will work but be sure to choose a strong one. Let the kids do the wrapping with the rubber bands if at all possible to help work on those fine-motor muscles!
  • Add more fun STEM elements by:
    • discussing with the kids how to make a catapult with other materials.
    • having the kids adjust the rubber band (the pivot point) and measure how far they can toss a marshmallow based on those adjustments.
    • having the kids fling the jumbo marshmallows and the miniature ones to see which ones fly farther.
    • having the kids aim their marshmallow catapult at a cup and try to get it in (and what adjustments they have to make to get it there).
overhead view of kids marshmallow catapult on a blue and white polka dot background

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How Do I Make this Marshmallow Catapult?

I’m so glad you asked. Below is our written tutorial to make this fun craft. Psst: you should make one, too, and join in on the fun.

If you’re making a STEM projects playlist on YouTube, here is our marshmallow catapult video tutorial.

Yield: 1

Marshmallow Catapult

overhead view of kids marshmallow catapult on a blue and white polka dot background

This marshmallow catapult is such a fun STEM activity for kids! We made them in minutes, but had hours of summer science fun.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $3

Materials

  • 6 blue craft sticks
  • 4 red craft sticks
  • 4 white craft sticks
  • 2 blue rubber bands
  • 1 red rubber band
  • 1 red spoon
  • Mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Stack 2 red craft sticks, 2 white craft sticks, and two blue craft sticks. Repeat this same pattern again, then wrap a blue rubber band over each end of this double stack. Set aside.
  2. Stack the two remaining blue craft sticks and wrap a red rubber band around one end.
  3. Slide the end of the red plastic spoon into the red rubber band wrapped around the end of the two blue craft sticks.
  4. Widen the two blue craft sticks apart on the non-rubber band secured end, and slide the stack other craft sticks you made in step 1 into the middle of the two blue craft sticks with the spoon resting on top of it all.
  5. To use the catapult, place a marshmallow on top of the spoon and push the spoon down slightly. Let the spoon go to launch the marshmallow into the air.
  6. photo collage of how to make a spoon catapult for marshmallows

Notes

For more fun July 4th kids activities, visit RufflesandRainBoots.com

Did you make this?

Please leave a comment or share a photo and tag me @rufflesandrain

More July 4th Kids Craft Ideas You Might Like

  • Flag Wands – This is literally hours of fun for kids. Don’t ask. They just love wands and fluttery things.
  • Paper Fireworks – This is the PERFECT craft for those kids that are a little afraid of real fireworks.
  • Marshmallow Launchers – If you’re going to make a marshmallow catapult project for kids, you should probably also make these awesome launchers.

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