Branch of Science: Chemistry
Concept: Properties of Elastomers
CORK LAUNCHER
Build a rubber band launcher to bring some fun and excitement to your day! A rubber band’s ability to stretch and spring gives this launcher its gusto. Whip up this project, and see the science behind a rubber band’s power.
You’ll Need:
- 4 jumbo craft sticks
- Hot glue gun
- 2 corks
- Utility knife
- Wooden clothespin
- 2 rubber bands
Safety First: Have an adult help out when using hot glue and sharp tools such as a utility knife. And never point your launcher at people or animals.
Put It Together:
- Overlap the ends of two sticks by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Hot glue them to make a longer stick. Repeat with the remaining two sticks.
- Use the utility knife to slice one of the corks in half. You’ll have two shorter corks.
- Sandwich one of the cork halves between the ends of the sticks from Step 1. Sandwich the uncut cork between their other ends. Glue the corks in place.
- Place the launcher on one of its flat sides. Glue a flat side of the clothespin near the end with the uncut cork. Its legs should face up the slope.
- Loop one end of a rubber band through the other. Tuck it inside its other end to form a knot. This will connect the rubber bands.
- Wrap one of the rubber bands several times tightly around the end of the launcher opposite the clothespin. Leave the other rubber band trailing toward the clothespin.
- Pull this rubber band back, and snap it into the mouth of the clothespin.
- Place the remaining half cork near the mouth of the clothespin. Place it inside the rubber band loop.
- To launch, press open the clothespin.
Fast Fact: Rubber is harvested from the sap of rubber trees.
Reusable Knowledge
Elastomers
