Launch candy corn in this super fun catapult STEM challenge!

Kids will have a blast with this engineering activity! They’ll also be exploring physics concepts, testing variables, practicing measurement, and more.

Here’s the Challenge:

Use simple supplies to build a catapult that launches a piece of candy corn the farthest.

Side note… do you like to eat candy corn? I think it’s gross, haha! Launching it across the room seems like a great thing to do with candy corn. However, if you like candy corn, we won’t judge. You can always snack while working.

The strength of these catapults will not cause injury to anyone or anything from flying candy corn. I’d consider this safe to do at home or in the classroom. However, you know your kids and whether or not this activity will be a good fit!

I would recommend this activity for age 8 through middle school.

The Science Behind the Candy Corn Catapult Challenge

Kids are learning so much by building catapults! You can direct their learning by asking some key questions and discussing some science concepts.

• Each of these catapults works by converting elastic potential energy to kinetic energy.

• When the energy changes forms, some energy is lost. A catapult is efficient if it converts most of the potential energy to kinetic energy without losing a bunch. How is energy lost? By the rubber band’s energy going in the wrong direction (for example, if the rubber band gets tangled), or by the catapult scooting around on the floor, etc.

• Add a variable to test! Compare different thicknesses of rubber bands. Test how different launch angles affect how far the candy corn travels.