STEM Starters provide students with essential tools to complete hands-on projects. When combined with everyday items, these materials can be used to design and execute a project using creative exploration and the engineering design process. By approaching a problem or a challenge with this thought process, children are able to make educated guesses, problem-solve, and learn without the fear of making a mistake. Perfect for individuals or small groups.

This STEM Starter challenges students to create their own catapult. The essential pieces (craft sticks, paper straws, pom-poms, rubber bands, wooden dowels, plastic cups, and paper blocks) are provided; it’s up to the young scientists to determine the best combination of materials to design their own creation. Incorporating common household or classroom materials makes endless personalized catapult opportunities. Six pom-poms in three different weights serve as projectiles. Using the engineering design process, students will create, evaluate, and redesign their simple machine until their objective is met. An eight-page guide for parents and teachers includes an overview of the engineering design process, follow-up questions, extension ideas, and links to additional online resources. Includes enough materials to begin 6 catapult devices. 100 total pieces.