Nader Factor

Certain principles of geometry and physics can inspire learners to know how to build a catapult. The · strength of catapult structure will depend on the angles made through the sticks or materials to stand as the frame. Right angles or 90 degree angles make a stronger foundation than any other angle. The accuracy of the shot will depend on the position of the material to be projected, while the speed that the projected material take on the air will depend on the distance of the catapult from the target, the weight of the projectile material, and the angle at which the material takes off. If one wants to know how to make a catapult, he or she should remember that all parts, including the projectile, should be proportional to the size of the torsion springs or the elasticity of the rubber band.

Knowing how to build a catapult begins with deciding on the size of the catapult. Popsicle sticks make a good frame material for catapults that will be used by children. Masking tape or strings can hold these sticks together. Pieces of wood and a few screws or nails will be needed if one wants a catapult that measures more than a foot in length and width. The sticks or the wood should have the same length. Two or more rubber bands or any elastic material can be used for the arm of a small catapult. A coiled wire or torsion spring should be used for large catapults. Lastly, a lot of patience is needed while building the catapult. A popsicle stick catapult may take 30 minutes to complete but a larger catapult will demand a couple of hours.

One could know how to build a catapult frame with a little knowledge of right angles or perfect triangles. The base or frame of the catapult can be a square or triangular-shaped platform. One can easily make a square or even a rectangular base with right angles. Form a 90 degree angle by putting the ends of two sticks together. Secure the sticks together with tape. Wood and other materials can be secured with nails or screws. Make another 90 degree angle with two other sticks or wood, and then put the two 90 degree angles to face each other. Secure the two newly formed 90 degree angles in order to complete the square. Four 90 degree angles should have been formed now.

On the other hand, a perfect triangle or an equilateral triangle base can be formed by putting the ends of three sticks or wood together. Sticks or wood of exactly the same length will easily form three 60 degree angles. Secure the materials together.

One knows how to make a catapult of strong firing capability when careful attention is given in making the catapult arm. Two sticks or wood are needed for the arm. Bore a hole on one end of each stick. Secure the stick ends together by inserting a wire through the holes. A hingle can be used for large catapults. Connect the catapult arm to the base through tape or nails. The remaining task now is to set up the springs. For a stick catapult, secure one end of the rubber band on the free end of the arm and the other end of the rubber band to the stick that is standing at right angles to the base. Secure another rubber band to the free end of the arm and then secure it loosely to the base. The rubber bands will make the arm lie at a 45 degree angle. For large catapults, the spring coils should be secured on both sides of the arm base. One would be successful at knowing how to make a catapult when the projectile material on the free end of the arm shoots up in the air.