This week, you will be making a seed ball catapult. Plants are vital for our eco system and what better way to launch them than using a catapults! So we are combining physics and biology for this week’s experiment. In your kit you should have:
6 loom bands
6 lollipop sticks
1 spoon
1 bag of clay
1 bag of wildflower seed and soil mix
1 small bag
The Catapult
Stack 4 of the lollipop sticks together in a pile and secure with 1 loom band on each end.
Put another lollipop stick behind the handle of the spoon, so the bowl of the spoon is sticking out above the top or the lollipop stick. Use a loom band to attach these together.
Put the final lollipop stick underneath the one attached to the spoon, and attach both sticks and the spoon handle together using a loom band.
Separate the bottom stick from the top stick and slide the 4 stacked lollipop sticks in between, sideways, making an open ‘mouth’ with the spoon on top – like this –
Secure it by attaching 2 loom bands in a ‘x’ shape where the stack of 4 sticks meets the spoon.
Try putting a small ball of paper in your spoon and gently pushing it back then releasing so the paper flies out!
Chemical Cress will now explain a little bit about the science behind the catapult. Join us afterwards for making the seed balls!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcQNbeZzTy4[/embedyt]
The Seed Balls
You may want to do this bit on a mat, or outside. You will need a plate or bowl to put the seeds in.
Split your ball of clay into 5 or 6 little balls, or more if you make them a bit smaller.
Pour out your seed mix into a plate or bowl.
Roll the clay balls in the seed mix, you may need to squish the seeds into the clay!
Put the finished balls into the small bag provided.
Find a green space, this could be in your garden or a green space near your house that needs brightening up!
Place a seed ball in your catapult, make sure you aren’t going to hit anyone, and fire!
Here’s Chemical Cress to talk about why wildflowers are so important –
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snqYiuhRn5E[/embedyt]
Bonus video
Why are plants and trees important?
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESIBz9k2Jfc[/embedyt] Enjoyed this kit? Visit our shop for more weekly science kits
In your kit you should have: