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    Home » STEM Challenges » Marshmallow Launcher STEM Challenge

    Marshmallow Launcher STEM Challenge

    June 24, 2022 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Marshmallows are delicious to eat, perfect for melting in hot chocolate and brilliant for launching with a catapult as they are so light! This activity works well with either one full size or several small marshmallows.

    Catapults are very inexpensive to make and can be used over and over again which makes them great for a school science project or group STEM challenge.

    These four different marshmallow launcher designs all work really well and can be tweaked or changed easily.

    Either follow the instructions to make a launcher like one of ours or design your own with this Marshmallow Launcher STEM Challenge design sheet.

    Marshmallow launcher design sheet for a STEM challenge

    Marshmallow Launcher Designs

    Craft Stick Catapult

    The traditional popsicle stick catapult is very easy to make. You just need craft or popsicle sticks, elastic bands, tape and a milk bottle top.

    catapult made from craft sticks with a wooden spoon as the launching arm and a marshmallow loaded ready to launch

    Investigation ideas

    • Try different size and shape marshmallows to find out which travel the furthest.

    Remember to only change one variable at a time. For example, if you’re changing the type of marshmallow use the same amount of force on the launching arm.

    Triangular Pyramid Stick Catapult

    Our first attempt using play dough to connect the skewers didn’t quite work as it wasn’t strong enough. We found elastic bands worked much better.

    To make this catapult all you need to do is make the triangular pyramid shape with sticks ( we used BBQ skewers ) and elastic bands.

    When you have a sturdy pyramid shape, use more elastic bands to attach a wooden spoon to another stick.

    Use elastic bands again to attach the stick with the spoon to one corner of the pyramid and then thread another elastic band over the top of the pyramid and the spoon.

    Pull back and let go!

    Marshmallow catapult made with sticks and elastic bands. A wooden spoon in used as a launching arm.

    Investigation Ideas

    • Try pulling the launching arm half way and then all the way back measuring how far the marshmallow travels each time.
    • Can you make a giant version of a stick catapult?

    Shoebox Marshmallow Catapult

    Shoebox catapults are also easy to make and a bit less fiddly than the stick catapult. They are also stable so very simple for younger children to manipulate.

    Investigation ideas

    Experiment with bigger and smaller spoons to see which fire the marshmallows the furthest!

    Paper Cup Marshmallow Launcher

    This design is super simple and another good one for younger children.

    To make a paper cup marshmallow launcher you’ll need

    A paper cup with the bottom cut off.

    A balloon with the end tied and the top removed.

    Small marshmallows

    Marshmallow catapult made with a paper cup and balloon
    Paper cup marshmallow catapult

    Instructions

    Attach the balloon to the bottom of the paper cup like the image above. If it slips off try securing with an elastic band.

    Fill the cup with marshmallows, pull back the balloon end and release.

    The marshmallows should fly out of the launcher.

    Investigation ideas

    Experiment with small marshmallows to investigate how far apart they spread out when you use the full force of the launcher.

    More Marshmallow Experiments

    Learn about strong and weak shapes with marshmallow and spaghetti structures.

    Team Cartwright has some delicious looking marshmallow play dough.

    Did you know you can make your own marshmallows? It’s a bit messy and sticky but totally worth the effort. You can find out how in my book, Snackable Science.

    You might also like my HUGE collection of kitchen science experiments.

    collage of different marshmallow catapults and launchers for a science experiment

    Last Updated on June 24, 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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