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Candy Pumpkin Catapults - Playdough to Plato
Grades
K to 5
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Students will love learning about simple machines by building catapults to launch candy pumpkins. Then, using just a few supplies, challenge students to see whose pumpkins fly the farthest....more
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Students will love learning about simple machines by building catapults to launch candy pumpkins. Then, using just a few supplies, challenge students to see whose pumpkins fly the farthest. Along the way, students also explore other scientific questions that examine the impact of size and weight and consider the effect by using different types of supplies. This article includes complete directions along with images for incorporating the pumpkin catapult into early childhood classrooms. Of course, be sure to use caution and discuss safety rules when hurtling items at any time. If possible, take this activity outdoors to allow more space for launching the catapults.
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tag(s): makerspace (43), preK (335), Problem Based Learning (15), simple machines (23), STEM (381)
In the Classroom
Although this lesson describes activities for pre-k classrooms, the challenge is suitable for adaptation to any elementary class. Try the challenge with other small items at any time. For example, during the winter holidays, use snowman erasers or during spring, try catapulting different sizes of pompoms to see how far they fly. Adapt this activity for older students by providing the supplies at a learning center or makerspace area without directions. Allow students to explore options on their own to build and create a catapult. Use a digital organizational tool such as IdeaBoardz, reviewed here, to record and share students' observations. Extend student learning by creating ebooks using Book Creator, reviewed here, that include images of students' creations, text of their observations, and audio explanations of the STEM learning. For younger students, create a class book together. Older students can create individual books to share as part of your class's digital library.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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