INSTRUCTABLES

In Dodging Cupcakes, Mindy builds a ping-pong ball launcher using a toilet paper tube. I scoured the web and found this great video of a larger launcher from 5 Minute Makerspace that is easy to make and loads of fun.  A fun experiment would be to see if it shoots a ping-pong ball further than a homemade aluminum ball. Does the size or tension of the rubber band make a difference in how far the ball goes? I'd love to hear your answers.

Supplies: 

• 2 cardboard tubes -one slightly larger than the other. (The cardboard tubbing from your kitchen supplies is a great option like aluminum foil, saran wrap, or even wrapping paper)
• Aluminum Foil to Decorate Your Launcher
• Glue Gun
• Rubber Band
• Paper

In Dodging Cupcakes, Mindy rummages through the shelves in the teachers’ supply closet, hunting for her next big idea. Her eyes light up when she discovers large bags of popsicle sticks and rubber bands, sparking memories of the local pumpkin festival. Catapults! That’s exactly what the school carnival needed. I found this amazing YouTube video from Physics Burns to show you how to build an accurate shooting catapult using popsicle sticks. I like this one because it has the physics behind WHY the design is so important to shoot straight and how far it will go.

Supplies:

• A Bag of Popsicle Sticks 
• A Bag of Rubber Bands
• Juice Bottle Cap
• Hot Glue Gun

Marshmallow Shooter:

In Dodging Cupcakes, Mindy builds a marshmallow shooter from the PVC pipes she discovers in her grandmother’s barn. With creativity and determination, she cuts and assembles the pieces, building an epic game for Korn Wotel’s school carnival. Mindy is ready to wow everyone, especially Charlie, with her imaginative and fun idea! I found the wonderful Youtube video from Specific Love Creations to show you how to build your own Marshmallow shooter.

Supplies:

• 1 - 45 degree elbow
• 1 - 90 degree elbow
• 1 - T fitting 1 - end cap
• 1 - 8"
• 1 - 4"
• 1 - 3
• 1/2"
• 2 - 1 1/2"

• 1 - 45 degree elbow
• 1 - 90 degree elbow
• 1 - T fitting
• 1 - end cap
• 1 - 4"
• 4 - 1 1/2"