Snowball Launcher STEM Challenge

Snowball Launcher STEM Challenge

Have you ever wondered how far you can launch a snowball using everyday materials? This Winter STEM challenge invites kids to design, build, and test a snowball launcher. They’ll explore the first law of motion, the concept of opposite reactions, and the acceleration of an object while improving their problem-solving and creativity skills.

💡 Explore more Winter STEM Challenge Ideas here.

Recommended Grades: Perfect for kindergarten through middle school!

Supplies Needed:

• Craft sticks (jumbo and regular sizes, like popsicle sticks)
• Rubber bands
• Plastic spoons
• Cotton balls or mini marshmallows (for “snowballs”)
• Duct tape or heavy-duty tape
• Glue sticks or hot glue gun
• Small Paper or Plastic Cups
• Balloons
• Toilet Paper Tubes

Set Up A Snowball Launcher STEM Challenge

Time Frame: 45–60 minutes

💡Use our popsicle stick catapult or snowball popper projects as examples to get started.

Step 1: Brainstorm & Plan

• Discuss how force and motion affect launching objects.
• Sketch your launcher designs and label parts like the round end of the spoon and where the rubber bands will stretch.

Step 2: Build Your Snowball Launcher

• Create a sturdy base using popsicle sticks and secure them with duct tape.
• Attach a plastic spoon to act as the “launcher arm,” making sure it can pivot.
• Reinforce the structure with glue sticks or a hot glue gun.

Step 3: Test Your Launcher

• Launch cotton balls or mini marshmallows as “snowballs.”
• Measure how far each snowball flies using a ruler or tape measure.
• Observe how the angle and tension of the spoon affect the velocity and distance.

Step 4: Improve Your Design

• Reflect on how your snowball launcher works.
• Experiment with adjusting the rubber bands or changing the angle to optimize performance.

STEM in Action: Learn About Newton’s Laws

• Newton’s First Law of Motion: A snowball at rest stays at rest until a force (the spoon) propels it.
• Newton’s Second Law: The acceleration of an object depends on the force applied.
• Newton’s Third Law: For every action (pulling the spoon), there is an equal and opposite reaction (snowball launch).

💡 Kids will also explore the concept of levers and how they reduce effort, making this activity a great introduction to simple machines. They can explore Newton’s Laws, Force and Motion, and Potential and Kinetic Energy!

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Extensions & Variations:

1. Distance Challenge: Whose snowball travels the farthest? Or highest to go over a “barricade!”
2. Accuracy Challenge: Hit a target into a bucket or a marked spot!
3. Design Challenge: Build a launcher with multiple arms to shoot two “snowballs” simultaneously.
4. Incorporate a styrofoam snowball or different objects for a difficult challenge.

Wrap-Up Activity: Snowball Launch Showdown

Host a snowball-launching fun event where kids demonstrate their launchers. Reflect on what worked, celebrate creativity, and discuss how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) played a role in their designs. You can add our STEM Questions for Reflection (free printable) as a wrap-up for the lesson.

More Winter STEM Activities:

💡 Make sure to look through all of our fun winter science activities:

• Winter Snow Shovel Challenge: Design a tool to scoop up “snow” effectively.
• Igloo Building Project: Create mini igloos with sugar cubes or mini marshmallows to learn about structures and insulation.
• Insulation Experiment: Test how animals stay warm by comparing different materials.
• Winter STEM Challenge Cards: Print these free cards and let kids explore, create, design, and build!

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