Enhancing Enrichment

Are you looking for a fun STEM activity for your upper elementary students before Christmas? Students will put their engineering skills to the test with the Christmas Catapult STEM Challenge!

It is a great way to add some fun before winter break while still addressing science standards. Students will use the engineering design process to ask, imagine, plan, create, test, improve, and reflect.

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Set the Scene

First, set the scene. Explain that the elves need help to deliver presents to places that are tricky to reach, like tall rooftops and deep chimneys. They think a catapult could help them gently launch small gifts right where they need to go.

Create the Catapult

Students will need ten craft sticks (jumbo sticks work best), seven rubber bands, and one plastic spoon for each catapult.

Step 1: Make the Base

Stack eight craft sticks on top of each other and wrap a rubber band tightly around each end to hold the stack together.

Step 2: Make the Launching Arm

Stack two craft sticks together. Put a rubber band around one end only. Leave the other end open so the sticks can separate slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Catapult

Slide the stack of eight sticks between the two-stick stack. Push it down close to the rubber‑banded end.

Step 4: Secure the Pieces

Use two rubber bands to wrap around the center where the sticks cross, forming an X‑shaped pattern. This holds the parts together while still allowing the top stick to move.

Step 5: Attach the Spoon

Use the last two rubber bands to attach the plastic spoon to the free end of the top stick. The spoon should extend outward like a lever. This is your launcher. You may also choose to super glue a pop-bottle lid on instead.

Test and Improve

Determine which items that you want to launch. You may use marshmallows, gumdrops, small jingle bells, or tiny boxes as presents. Choose between the three variables below to determine how you would like to test.

Option 1: Change the Angle of the Catapult

Students adjust the angle of the catapult arm to determine which angle launches items the farthest or with the greatest accuracy. You may set up a chimney for the items to land in.

Option 2: Change the Number of Items Launched

Students test how the catapult performs when launching different numbers of objects such as gumdrops, marshmallows, or jingle bells. They start with one item and gradually add more to see how quantity affects distance and performance.

Option 3: Change the Weight of the Present

Students experiment with different weights by using present cutouts. After assembling a box and leaving one side open, they add small items like pennies or dimes to increase weight, tape the box closed, and launch it. Students observe how changing the weight affects how far or how well the present travels.

Reflect

Don’t forget to have students take some time to reflect on what went well and what was most challenging.

If you are looking for student recording sheets that are ready to use, check out the complete Christmas Catapult STEM Challenge with student recording pages, teacher tips, and chimney and present cutouts.

Will your students be able to help deliver the presents? Try the challenge and find out or find more activities in this Christmas Enrichment Activities post.