REBUILT CATAPULT KIDS CRAFT

A popsicle-stick catapult that shoots foam balls into a mini REBUILT Hub, just like our robot does on the field.

A popsicle-stick and spoon catapult with yellow foam balls, next to a small grey 3D-printed Hub with a paper cone on top

How it works

In REBUILT, the 2026 FRC game, robots score by launching yellow balls into the Hub. This craft is the kid-sized version. Kids build a catapult from popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon, then try to land foam balls in a mini Hub. We use it at outreach events, and it works for a wide range of ages.

What you need

  • Each catapult: 8 popsicle sticks, 4 rubber bands, and 1 plastic spoon
  • Ammo: small yellow foam balls
  • Mini Hub: a 3D-printed base and a paper cone printed from the template

Downloads

  • Catapult instructions

    A one-page, five-step build sheet with pictures. Kids can follow it on their own (PDF, 1 page, 2.5 MB)

    VIEW PDF

  • Hub cone template

    Print, cut, fold, and tape the funnel for the top of the Hub. Steps are on the sheet (PDF, 1 page, 260 KB)

    VIEW PDF

  • Mini Hub base, Bambu Lab P1S

    Ready to print: PLA, 0.4 mm nozzle, about 1½ hours and 55 g of filament (3MF, 138 KB)

    DOWNLOAD

  • Mini Hub base, any printer

    The model at full size. Scale it to 8% in your slicer for a Hub about 4 inches wide (STL, 7 KB)

    DOWNLOAD

← All resources

At our outreach events

A Hotwire student hands out popsicle sticks while kids build catapults at a table with two mini Hubs and a bag of yellow foam balls A smiling Hotwire student helps a young girl attach the spoon to her catapult, with a mini Hub on the table