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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » DIY Slingshot made with cardboard tubes

    DIY Slingshot made with cardboard tubes

    October 10, 2022 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    This DIY slingshot is very easy to make and only requires a couple of cardboard tubes, elastic bands and a pencil!

    When the pom poms are fired out of the launcher they don’t fall straight to the ground, but instead follow a curved path. This is because there are two forces acting on them. Gravity tries to pull them down, while the forward force from the inner cardboard tube pushes them forward.

    Remember to only use soft or very light items with your slingshot. We used table tennis balls and soft pom poms.

    How to make a DIY Slingshot

    What you need:

    Thin cardboard tube. If you don’t have a thin one you can cut a toilet roll in half lengthways and roll it into a smaller tube.

    Cardboard tube

    2 elastic bands

    Pencil

    Scissors

    DIY Slingshot Instructions

    Check one of tubes fits easily inside the other.

    Ask an adult to help make two small holes in the thinner tube about 2 cm from the bottom.

    Carefully push the pencil through both holes.

    Cut two small cuts on each side of one end of the larger tube.

    Put the small tube inside the larger tube and fix the elastic bands in place around the pencil and inside the cuts you made in the bigger tube.

    Easy cardboard slingshot - DIY Slingshot made with two cardboard tubes, a pencil and elastic band

    Pop some pom poms inside, pull back the smaller tube and let go!

    Easy cardboard slingshot

    Slingshot Extension Task

    Experiment firing at different angles to see how the trajectory of the pom poms changes

    More Science for Kids

    Try one of my easy experiments that make things fly.

    Have a go at another experiment for learning about gravity.

    Or, try one of my easy STEM challenges using cardboard.

    Easy cardboard slingshot for kids - fun science craft for kids - learn about gravity and trajectory with this easy tube launcher #scienceforkids #slingshot #sciencecraft

    Last Updated on October 10, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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