You already know that we love space. So when we saw this popsicle stick catapult by @7daysofplay, we immediately thought of ways to make it a whole space-themed activity. The catapult is best made by adults, but the alien target decorating is perfect for little ones to flex their creative muscles.
Supplies:
- 6-8 popsicle / craft sticks
- 4 rubber bands
- bottle cap
- glue
- pom poms or cotton balls
- cardboard
- decorations - paint or markers work best on brown cardboard, but crayons can work too
Step 1: Make the catapult
First secure a stack of 4-6 craft sticks with 2 rubber bands.
Next, add a stick to the top and bottom of the stack to make a cross-shape. Secure the two outside sticks with a rubber band.
Now attach those two outside sticks on one end with a rubber band.
Finally, glue the plastic bottle cap to non-rubber-banded end of the top craft stick. I used super glue because it's all that I had on hand, but craft glue will work just fine.
Step 2: Make the alien targets
We started by drawing some alien-shaped blobs and cutting them out before decorating. If your kiddos are a little older, they may enjoy making the alien shapes themselves. Either way, make sure the bottom of the alien is flat when cut out so that it will stand up.
After decorating the aliens, cut a stand out of cardboard. Stand should be 3-4 inches long and approximately 2 inches tall. Cut a slit in the top middle of the stand and a corresponding slit in the bottom of the alien. Attach the stand to the alien.
Now you're ready to let the pom poms fly at your alien invader targets!
If you try this one out, we want to see! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with #PlayboxesCardboardCrafts. Follow us @playboxes.co to see how-to videos for all of our crafts.
Happy crafting!
