What’s Really Happening?

Your Elastic Energy Launcher doesn’t need batteries, electricity or a motor.

Instead, it stores energy inside stretched elastic bands.

The paddle pop stick frame acts like the skeleton of the launcher. It keeps everything aligned so the stored energy can be directed where it’s needed.

When the trigger is released, the elastic bands pull the launch arm forward. The launch arm transfers energy into the toy car, causing it to move.

Engineers use this same idea whenever they need to store and release energy. Catapults, slingshots, bows and many mechanical launch systems all rely on energy transfer.

You may have already explored energy transfer in experiments such as the Balloon Rocket Blast-Off, where stored energy in a stretched balloon pushes a rocket forward, or the Ghost Glider, where careful design helps control how energy is used during flight.

The better your launcher’s frame, launch arm, and trigger work together, the more efficiently energy can be transferred into the car.

Ready for a Bigger Challenge?

Building the launcher is only the first step.

Scientists often use engineering designs as tools for investigations.

Can a heavier car travel further?

Does adding more elastic bands increase the distance?

Is there an ideal launch arm length?

Inside The Crazy Scientist LAB, you’ll find extra Engineering Missions and Investigation Challenges that help you test, improve and redesign your launcher like a real engineer.