Make-a-Catapult
Item needed:
- Craft supplies (popsicle sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoons, glue, tape, etc.) -
- Small objects for launching (marshmallows, small balls, pom-poms, etc.)
- Measuring tape or markers for distance measurement
open
Min players:
4
Max players:
∞
Required age:
8
Average cost:
$10
Game duration(Mins):
60 - 120
Teams use the resources available to make their own catapult within a time limit. Team that shoots a ball the farthest wins.
Overview
Make-a-Catapult is a competitive game where teams build their own catapults from provided resources within a set time limit. The goal is to construct a catapult capable of launching a ball the farthest distance. The team whose catapult reaches the greatest distance wins.
Game Details
- Number of Players: 4 to Unlimited
- Minimum Age: 8 years and older
- Duration: 1-2 hours (includes building and launching time)
Game Setup
- Divide into Teams: Organize the players into teams of at least four members. There is no limit on the number of teams or team size.
- Provide Materials: Give each team an identical set of building materials and tools.
- Designate a Building Area: Allocate a specific area for each team to construct their catapult.
Rules and Gameplay
Building Phase
- Time Limit: Teams have 1 hour to build their catapult with the provided materials.
- Construction Guidelines:
- Teams must use only the provided materials.
- Catapults should be freestanding and not anchored to the ground.
- Always follow safety measures during construction.
Launching Phase
- Testing Area: Proceed to an open area for testing the catapults.
- Launching Procedure:
- Each team gets three attempts to launch a ball as far as possible.
- Measure the distance from the starting line to where the ball first touches the ground.
Safety Rules:
- Keep all players at a safe distance behind the active launching catapult.
- Allow only one team to launch at a time.
Scoring
- Measure Distance: After each launch, measure the distance from the starting line to the ball’s first impact point.
- Record Attempts: Note down the distance of each attempt for every team.
- Determine the Winner: Declare the team with the longest single launch distance as the winner.
Winning the Game
The victory goes to the team whose catapult launches the ball the farthest in any of their three attempts. In case of a tie, the tied teams get additional attempts to break the tie.
Tips and Strategies
- Plan Before Building: Dedicate time to planning your design before you start building.
- Division of Labor: Assign specific roles within your team such as designers, builders, and testers.
- Test and Adjust: If time allows, test your catapult during the building phase and make adjustments to enhance performance.
Enjoy the game and may the best catapult win!