STEM CHALLENGE Catapult and Trajectory Challenge | 3rd-8th Grade | Low Prep

Catapults & Trajectory Challenge: A Hands-On STEM Engineering Activity

Launch learning into action with the Catapults & Trajectory Challenge, an exciting hands-on STEM activity where students design and build their own working catapult using simple materials. In this engaging engineering challenge, students explore how force, stored energy, and launch angle affect the path and distance of a projectile.

Students begin by investigating the science behind catapults and how energy can be stored and released to create motion. They then design, build, and test their own launching device, experimenting with different angles, forces, and projectile types to see how these variables change the trajectory. Through testing and redesigning their catapults, students naturally experience the engineering design process—plan, build, test, and improve.

This activity encourages creativity and problem-solving while helping students understand real-world physics concepts in a fun and memorable way. It also provides a perfect introduction to how launch mechanisms can be used as part of larger engineering systems like Rube Goldberg machines.

Students will explore:

• Force and motion
• Potential and kinetic energy
• Projectile motion and trajectory
• Launch angles and distance
• The engineering design process through experimentation

Perfect for classrooms, homeschool groups, STEM clubs, or enrichment programs, the Catapults & Trajectory Challenge turns basic materials into a powerful engineering experience as students discover the science behind launching objects and controlling motion.

Included in this lesson:

1. Step-by-Step Teacher Guide for a 60-90 minute lesson with learning objectives appropriate for 4th-8th Grade

2. Materials List

3. Student Brainstorming and Challenge Page

4. Student Data Collection Page

5. Student Reflection Page

6. Assessment Rubric

7. Additional Resources