Rubber Band Catapult Elastic Potential Energy STEM Lab (PHY01) | Middle School Physical Science (Grades 6-8)

? Rubber Band Catapult Elastic Potential Energy STEM Lab (PHY01)

Explore mechanical energy transformations, Hooke's law, trajectory launch angles, and accuracy physics! The Rubber Band Catapult Elastic Potential Energy STEM Lab (PHY01) challenges middle school student teams to act as mechanical engineers, designing a lightweight desktop catapult powered by elastic potential energy to strike precision targets.

Students explore stored elastic potential energy, kinetic energy conversion, fulcrum mechanics, launch angle trajectories, and average distance math!

? WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS 3-PAGE PACKET?

• ? Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan: NGSS alignment (MS-PS3-1, MS-PS3-2, MS-ETS1-2), target science concepts, and firing range setup guide. Expected student outcomes, answer keys, and launch safety rules.

• ? Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint: Real-world mechanical engineering and artillery launcher scenario hook. Clear material limits box (10 craft sticks, 6 rubber bands, plastic spoon, tape, metric ruler, protractor). Dedicated Catapult Mechanics & Trajectory Schematic sketching zone.

• ? Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection: Structured Data Testing Table (pull-back distance cm, launch angle degrees, horizontal flight distance cm). Applied Math Connection (calculate Average Launch Distance). Physics reflection questions.

? CORE STEM SKILLS COVERED:

• Mechanical Engineering & Energy Physics Mechanics

• Elastic Potential Energy & Kinetic Energy Transformations

• Trajectory Vector Analysis & Launch Angle Optimization

• Data Logging, Metric Distance Measurement (cm), and Average Math Calculations

? WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS RESOURCE:

• 3-Page Professional Layout: Includes a complete Teacher Guide for seamless prep, keeping student lab sheets clean and ready to print!

• Low-Cost Materials: Uses simple craft sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoons, masking tape, and ping pong balls.

• High-Impact Physics Lab: Turns mechanical energy equations into an exciting, hands-on target firing competition!

• Format: High-resolution, print-ready PDF format (3 Pages).

Target Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th / Middle School

Subject Area: Physical Science, Physics, Potential and Kinetic Energy, STEM Labs, Forces and Motion

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