Rubber Band Catapult Elastic Potential Energy STEM Lab (PHY01)

Bring mechanical energy transformations, elastic strain, projectile trajectories, and average distance calculations to life with the Rubber Band Catapult Elastic Potential Energy STEM Lab (PHY01)! Designed for Middle School Physical Science, Physics, Math, and STEM classes, this 3-page, print-ready lab packet challenges students to engineer desktop catapults powered by elastic potential energy.

What Is Included in This 3-Page Packet?

• 📋 Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan

  Features NGSS alignment (MS-PS3-1 Kinetic Energy Relationships, MS-PS3-2 Potential Energy Storage, MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design), key mechanical engineering concepts, firing range setup rules, safety guidelines, and a full teacher answer key.

• 🏹 Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint

  Hooks students with a mechanical engineering challenge to build precision artillery launchers. Includes material constraints (10 craft sticks, 6 rubber bands, plastic spoon, tape, metric ruler, protractor) and a dedicated schematic sketching zone to diagram rubber band stretch distance, lever arm fulcrums, and release trajectory angles.

• 📊 Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection

  Features a structured lab data table tracking elastic pull-back distance in centimeters, release launch angle in degrees, and horizontal landing distance in centimeters. Includes an applied math section to calculate Average Launch Distance across multiple trials, followed by reflection questions analyzing Hooke's Law energy storage, fulcrum leverage, and optimal launch angles.

Educational Value & Key Benefits:

• Hands-On Energy Transformation Physics: Connects stored elastic strain energy directly to kinetic motion and gravitational flight trajectories.

• Integrates Applied Math & Data Averages: Teaches students how to measure metric distances in centimeters and calculate arithmetic mean averages.

• Low-Cost High-Engagement STEM: Uses inexpensive items like craft sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoons, tape, and ping pong balls for a high-energy physics contest across Grades 6–8.