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Maker Workshop: Tinkering with Catapults

A catapult is a device that uses tension or stored energy to launch an object. Can you build a catapult using everyday materials? In this workshop, a Science World Tinkerer will help you imagine, create, and test a catapult made from items and materials you can find at home. You will modify them to achieve increased distance, height, accuracy, or a goal of your own choosing. What will your catapult look like?

What is "tinkering"?

Tinkering is mindful messing about with tools and materials, with the goal of finding out their possibilities and limitations. When we tinker, we learn about scientific topics, make new things from existing parts, solve problems, and learn by making mistakes. In this workshop, participants will not be shown how to make a catapult step-by-step, but be encouraged to use the materials they have available to create their own unique design.

Materials will NOT be provided for this workshop. Please bring the following materials to the virtual session:

• Spoon - one or more of different sizes
• Soft object to launch - e.g. a pom pom, cotton ball, aluminum foil ball, or similar
• Elastic bands
• Tape
• One or more cylindrical objects to create a fulcrum - e.g. a large marker, empty spool of thread, toilet paper roll, or similar
• Optional - assorted materials - markers, cardboard, bottle caps, popsicle sticks, LEGO, binder clips, ruler/measuring tape, etc.

This workshop takes place online using Zoom. Meeting details will be emailed upon registration. We will send link to you prior to the workshop.

• An adult must be present at all times during the workshop.
• You are encouraged to have your camera and microphone on during the workshop to engage fully. You may be asked to mute your microphone during some parts of the workshop.
• Please be ready to interact and explore with your child during the workshop.
• Refunds will NOT be given for absences. Refunds will NOT be given if a registrant cancels in the week prior to the program.