Exploring Energy with Marshmallow Catapults!

Exploring Energy with Marshmallow Catapults!

The Year 8 students have been investigating the science of energy transformation this term through an engaging STEM activity, designing and testing their own marshmallow catapults. Using simple classroom materials, they explored how small changes in design can affect how far and accurately a marshmallow can be launched.

This activity highlighted important physics concepts in an accessible way. Pulling back a spoon, elastic band, or balloon stores elastic potential energy, which is then converted into kinetic energy as the marshmallow is released and set into motion. Students also observed how gravity and air resistance influenced the marshmallow’s path, connecting their hands-on experiments to the scientific principles of motion and force. Activities like this not only make learning interactive and fun but also deepen students’ understanding of how energy is transferred and transformed in everyday situations.

Ms Carlene Kupke
Science Teacher

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