Lesson Idea | Simple Machines: Catapults

This lesson is about exploring simple machines through building and testing catapults, where students learn how catapults work, apply the engineering design process, and understand how designs can be improved through problem solving and refinement. Working in groups, students construct catapults with provided materials, test for accuracy and distance, exchange designs with other groups, and modify them for improvement. The lesson is designed for grades 5–8 and helps students practice collaboration, problem solving, and giving and receiving constructive criticism while connecting to NGSS, Common Core, and state standards. It is intended for teachers who want to provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that integrate science, engineering, and real-world applications.

Alignment With Standards

NGSS Standards:
• MS-PS2-2 Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
• MS-PS3-1 Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.
• MS-PS3-5 Construct, use and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

Common Core Standards:
• RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
• RST.6-8.3 Follow preciesly a multistep procedure when carrying our experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
• WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

National Standards:
• Science and Technology 5-8
• Physical Science 5-8

Ohio Standards:
• Grades 6-8: Physical Science Benchmark D
• Grades 6-8: Science and Technology Benchmark B