Your kids will love making this fun pumpkin catapult stem challenge where you’re doing a fall unit study or medieval unit study.
This pumpkin catapult stem challenge will incorporate science, technology, engineering, math, and history into one fun activity.
This is a cool activity that will definitely earn you a lot of cool mom points.
A medieval times unit study is the perfect time to try out this hands-on activity to teach weaponry that was used during the period as well as those STEM skills.
You don’t have to make yours as large as this one, but I found this pack of huge craft sticks at Hobby Lobby.
So, I thought they would put a fun twist to it.
Instead of using little marshmallow pumpkins, we were able to launch larger decor pumpkins (they are just inexpensive stuffed ones from Dollar Tree).
Also, if your child enjoys history, consider adding the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and Usborne Encyclopedia of World History.
They both contain wonderful illustrations and information that is easy for children to understand.
And they are a great addition to round out any unit study.
Medieval Catapult Facts
Before, after, or during your activity give your child some of the research questions below to find in books or online.
- What are the 4 Types of catapults? trebuchet, mangonel, onager, and ballista.
- What were catapults used for in Medieval Times? Siege, vaulting things over castle walls
- What time period is considered Medieval/Middle ages? 500 to 1400-1500 CE
- What event marked the beginning of the Middle Ages? The fall of Rome 476 AD
- What is the hierarchy of feudal society during this time? Monarchs, Lords/Ladies (Nobles), Knights, and Peasants/Serfs
Vocabulary Words for Medieval Unit Study
Then, here are a few vocabulary words for this unit.
- Projectile
- Force
- Fulcrum
- Lever
- Peasant
- Vassal
- Furlong
- Squire
- Clergy
- Plunder
- Troubadour
- Guild
Catapult Science
Next, learn about some of the science of the catapult.
When you draw back the craft/popsicle stick, potential(resting) energy is being built up.
After you release it, it becomes kinetic (moving) energy.
Finally, gravity pulls the launched object back down.
This stem activity shows Newton’s three laws of motion.
Newtons 3 Laws of Motion
- Newton’s law of inertia– An object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.
- Newton’s law of force and acceleration– When an external force acts on an object, it produces an acceleration (change in velocity) in the object in the direction of the force.
- Newton’s third law- The law of action and reaction states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
You can try using different objects with different sizes and weights.
Change the thickness of the fulcrum to achieve different results.
And add a measuring tape or yard stick to figure out the various distance. Then, record your information.
Here is how to put together your own pumpkin catapult stem challenge. You will need:
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Rubber bands
- A large metal or plastic lid
- E6000 or hot glue
- Pumpkins
If you want to add these fun knights and horses you can grab these Safari Toobs.
They are also great to use in diorama, sensory bins, as models for drawing, and in dramatic small world play.
How to Make a Medieval Catapult
You can paint or use markers to color your popsicle sticks if you like as your first step or keep them natural like this one.
Just be sure to let them dry thoroughly before putting it together.
Starting by making a stack of craft sticks.
I ended up using 14 of the jumbo sticks to create more leverage for the catapult, placing rubber bands securely on each end about 1 ½” from the end.
Stack two jumbo craft sticks and place a rubber band only over one end, 1 – ½” away from the end.
Open the two craft sticks that are banded at one end and slip the large stack of sticks through, pushing them about ¾ of the way up close to the rubber band.
Next, take a larger rubber band and crisscross it over a few times where your two stacks of sticks intersect.
Use hot glue or something like e6000 (which will take longer to set) to affix your lid to the end of the top craft stick.
Press it in place firmly and let it dry all the way. Be sure that you use plenty of glue so that it is very secure to the craft stick.
To launch you just need to press down on the back and release,
Let the launching fun begin!
You are ready to lay siege and launch objects over castle walls ( or at least over the ottoman) in a battle for riches and power.
Add a few more items to your study to really give it some hands-on fun like this 3d Puzzle Castle or these knight decorations to kick off a new Medieval unit study.
