Copyright STEM Camp 2017 ©
Jigglypuff Launcher
Estimated Length: 60-90 minutes total for
building of the 2 Pokeball Launchers and target
practice
Shared Supplies: glue guns, markers
Objective: Jigglypuff is feeling a little deflated,
she needs a pick me up! Jigglypuff needs your
help to launch her into the atmosphere to be
filled with air! Learn about potential and kinetic
energy by building a catapult to launch
Jigglypuff. Campers will build two catapults to
compare the difference in height and length of
the launch arm.
Materials:
Popsicle sticks (10 per camper)
Elastic bands(10 per camper)
1-2 ounce plastic cup (2 per camper)
Paint Sticks (5-6 per camper)
Glue Gun
Glue stick (1 stick per 5 campers)
Small Styrofoam Craft Balls (4 per camper)
Markers (Pink, Blue, Black)
Cotton Balls (for hair tuft)
Paper (ears and feet)
Video: Potential and Kinetic Energy for Kids (4:38) https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=IqV5L66EP2E
• Video: DIY Catapults Kids Can Make (1:88) https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bjiw7qYvu
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Procedure:
1. Ask campers what a catapult is? Once you are confident campers know what a
catapult is, have them describe how a catapult works. On the whiteboard or chart
paper write the following words: potential energy and kinetic energy. Explain how
the catapult works using these two words. For simplicity, the potential energy is the
energy stored in the launch arm and the kinetic energy is the motion of the poke ball
moving after the potential energy is released.
2. Show the following video explaining potential and kinetic energy. Video: Potential
and Kinetic Energy for Kids (4:38) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqV5L66EP2E
(please stop the video at 3:10 unless you feel you have an older group of juniors that
may grasp the mathematics)
3. With just elastics and popsicle sticks, have campers attempt to build a catapult. If
campers are struggling, show them this video: DIY Catapults Kids Can Make (1:88)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjiw7qYvu as build your catapult. The younger
campers may need more direction.
4. Once campers are satisfied with their catapult, they may glue a small cup onto the
end of the arm.
5. Turn your styrofoam ball into your best Jigglypuff!
Day 2:
1. Using the same poke balls, build a longer armed launcher out of paint stir sticks.
Compare the potential and kinetic energy. Have campers come up with a hypothesis
(best guess) about what will happen.
2. Give campers time to launch Jigglypuff and have contests if they wish.
Source: http://www.superchargedscience.com/science-catapults.htm, https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqV5L66EP2E
Why is this a STEM Camp Activity? Potential and Kinetic Energy, Engineering