- Fulfills part of Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Think Like an Engineer journey requirements.
Items Needed:
- Cardboard tubes or PVC pipes
- Rubber bands
- Tape or glue
- Scissors
- Small balls (e.g., ping pong balls)
- Ruler or measuring tape
Instructions:
Remember not to give your scouts instructions when doing the Think Like an Engineer project. Only the challenge and various supplies. These Step-by-Step instructions are more for the leaders to understand what others have done. Leaders can use the knowledge to provide hints when scouts might get stuck during the creative process.
- Build the Frame: Use cardboard tubes or PVC pipes to create the base and structure of the launcher. Secure them with tape or glue.
- Attach Rubber Bands: Stretch rubber bands across the frame to act as the launching mechanism. Ensure they are tight but not overstretched.
- Prepare the Launcher: Create a holder for the ball using a small piece of cardboard or pipe. Attach it to the rubber bands.
- Test and Adjust: Place a ball in the holder, pull back the rubber bands, and release to launch. Adjust the tension or angle as needed for better results.
- Experiment: Try launching balls at different angles or distances to explore how the design affects performance.
Step by Step Instructions
- Ball Launcher Challenge by Science Buddies
- Peeps Launcher by Team Cartwright (uses paper towel tube instead of cups)
- Popsicle Stick Catapult by Science Buddies (uses popsicle sticks instead of cups)
The Badge Archive 