I predict I’ll be able to guide students toward better initial designs in the second iteration of this lesson cycle! It will be interesting to track and graph our catapult launch results between group 1 and group 2. Since we’re using a “maker studio” lesson cycle, I’ve divided my class in half and will be repeating this lesson with my other students after this initial cycle. So far our first real “building” project in STEM class this year has gone well, and I’m looking forward to the next few lessons. This is the version of the process Kevin Jarrett ( has used with his elementary STEM students. I’m also going to discuss and explore the “Engineering Design Process” with my students during days 3 and 4 of our catapult unit, and encourage them to revise / iterate on their initial designs to obtain better catapult launch results. I’m going to pick some thicker rubber bands up this evening and offer to trade up to two of my students’ thinner rubber bands (if they want) for thicker versions. I have a ton of small / thin rubber bands, and while they are fine to use like a “ rope lashing” to connect popsicle sticks they are not strong enough to launch projectiles across half the distance of our classroom. The main thing I discovered creating my catapult model today is that I need to obtain more THICK rubber bands. These are easy and cheap to make as needed, and also are soft enough that if they’re inadvertantly launched at another person (accidentally or on purpose) they shouldn’t cause any injuries. See his video below.Rather than launching marshmallows, which I’ve seen some lesson plans of other teachers include, I’ve used a single kleenex/tissue and some duct tape to make small, soft projectiles we can launch.
They got such a great workout the whole time! This is a new house favorite!Ĭoach Payne tried this activity with his students and created his own unique version. My students LOVED this game! Once they understood the basics, we kept adding levels for challenge and differentiation. Guards can throw to try and knock down the pins on the other sideĮach level can be modified as needed and grades 1-5 can play this game!.Level 4: Played like level 1, 2, & 3, but add: Guards can use a gator ball to deflect the throw.Guards have to stay in their zone (baseline to red tape, a few feet in front of the pins).Level 3: Played like level 1 & 2, but add: If Runners catch the ball thrown from the Catapults, the Catapults goes to the side side and performs 5 of an exercise of their choice (jumping jacks, push-ups, knee highs, lunges).Catapults can throw and hit moving target shoulders and below, that Runner goes off to the side and performs 5 of an exercise of their choice (jumping jacks, push-ups, knee highs, lunges).I add different levels each round, so the above is Level 1. The first team to knock down all 14 pins is the winner. Teams have two jobs – Catapults and Runners. Each team will have 6 catapults (students on the mat) and the rest of the team are Runners. The Runners’ job is to retrieve gator balls and give them to the Catapults – they cannot guard the pins. Once Catapults get a ball, they do a sit-up and then throw the ball to knock over the pother teams’ pins. Catapults switch every 2 minutes to allow for correct form and rest time. Once Catapults switch, they then become Runners. NOTE: I have large classes, so this can always be modified for smaller classes
Health and Wellness week! Ss working on muscular strength while playing their new favorite game Catapult!! #physed #workthoseabs #buildingstrongknights /PSGAdAkO5R
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