To make a ball launcher we will be using some items that you will probably find lying around at home. The ball launcher converts potential energy, that you add to the launcher when you pull back on it, into kinetic energy, when it is released.
The first thing that you need to do is collect your 2 toilet roll tubes and see if they fit inside each other. If they do you can skip the first step. If they don't, take one of your toilet roll tubes, cut it down the middle and tape it back together again so that it is thinner and can fit inside the other tube
Make 2 holes in the thinner tube on opposite sides, approximately 1cm in from the end. Thread your straw or pencil through both holes
On the thicker tube cut 2 slits approximately 1cm deep and 1cm apart and repeat this on the opposite side of the tube. Take your elastic bands and thread one through the slits on each side of the tube:
Thread the thinner tube inside the thicker tube and pull the elastic bands over the straw/ pencil:
You are now ready to test your ball launcher
Why not test some different things. What happens when you try shooting different balls with your launcher? Does a heavier or lighter ball make a difference? You could possibly try a cotton wool ball, paper ball or ping pong ball.
Remember DO NOT fire your ball launcher at anyone
To see the video tutorial for this activity, visit the Surrey Libraries Facebook Page or the Surrey Libraries YouTube Channel.
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