Hit 'em with your best shot! Build your own Launcher with TeacherGeek - send ping pong balls flying, marking the trajectory and distance of your shots and targets.
Redesign your launcher with greater accuracy and precision through the optional labs and graphing sheets, then compete in exciting design challenges. Change one variable at a time, utilizing scientific and engineering methods to successfully hit targets. Use recycling bin materials or extra components to build a kicker, plunger, trebuchet, or slingshot – your imagination is the limit!
This updated (2.0) version of the original TeacherGeek Projectile Launcher has been revamped to give you even more unique design possibilities. The original version is discontinued, but you can find the original documents here.
Scroll down to "Things You'll Need" for more info.
This activity was recently updated! Check your label to make sure you're on the right page.
Click here to go to the original Launcher page! (You're in the wrong place.)
You're in the right place! Scroll down to find documents and videos.
Age Range
Customize this activity for the highlighted ages with tons of free labs and challenges!
This is an educational product and not a toy. Adult supervision is required.
Videos
Documents
Click on the flowchart to view documents from each category.
Download the Go Guide Below
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Go Guide: English: PDF DOCX Spanish: PDF DOCX |
Start here! Build your launcher, evolve your design, and begin an engineering challenge! |
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Alternate Go Guide (Punter): PDF DOCX |
Go Guide with alternate build for the "Punter" design. |
Download Labs Below
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Precision & Accuracy Lab: English: PDF DOCX Spanish: PDF DOCX |
Investigate precision and accuracy of different launch angles, learning how to measure it with basic statistics (mean & range). Ages 13+. |
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Hit the Target Lab: English: PDF DOCX Spanish: PDF DOCX |
Explore how launch angle, wind-up angle, or another variable affect's your launch distance. Ages 13+. |
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Projectile Motion Lab: English: PDF DOCX Spanish: PDF DOCX |
Model your projectile's motion with math! Create equations that model the horizontal and vertical motion of your projectile, then use it to hit a target. Ages 16+. |
Download Challenge Documents Below
Compete to hit targets, knock down castle walls, or launch the greatest distance! See the Go Guide document for challenge instructions.
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Bullseye Challenge & More: PDF DOCX Videos |
Challenge instructions are included in the Go Guide document. |
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Engineering Notebooks: Simple Version Full Version |
Available at two different learning levels, TeacherGeek Engineering Notebooks are designed to help students cycle through the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. We recommend keeping extra copies of this on-hand for kids during activities. |
Download Other Resources Below
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STEM Rubric: PDF | DOCX |
Use the STEM Rubric to assess any TeacherGeek project. |
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Extra Protractors: PDF DOCX |
Use the protractors and ruler to make an inclinometer to measure launch angle or to measure the wind-up of your launcher! This page is already included in your Go Guide, but you can use this link to print even more. |
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STEAM Market-It Challenge: PDF DOCX |
Add the STEAM Market-It Challenge to any completed TeacherGeek activity to teach students how to turn their TeacherGeek design into a retail product. Students will learn the 4 'Ps' of marketing - Product, Placement, Price and Promotion. Students have the option of completing a commercial, a billboard or retail packaging as a summative assessment. |
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Engineering Notebooks: Simple Version Full Version |
Available at two different learning levels, TeacherGeek Engineering Notebooks are designed to help students cycle through the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. We recommend keeping extra copies of this on-hand for kids during activities. |
Things You'll Need
You're going to need some stuff, but don't sweat it! You probably have it already.
Click a tab below to choose how you will complete this activity - that determines what you'll need.
You're in the right tab!
TeacherGeek Tools
REQUIRED
Screw Driver
Drive screws into holes.
optional
Slip Joint Pliers
Grab nuts, bend
wires, etc.
optional
Multi-Cutter
Cut dowels, strips,
recycling bin items, etc.
optional
Reamer
Ream splines (teeth),
from holes so
dowels spin freely.
optional
Mini Hammer
Tap dowels into
other components.
Other Supplies
- Scissors
- Tape
- Recycling Bin Materials (optional - for more creative designs!)
You're in the right tab!
You will need to pre-cut the dowels for this activity, or your kids can cut them (with adult supervision).
TeacherGeek Tools
REQUIRED
Screw Driver
Drive screws into holes.
optional
Slip Joint Pliers
Grab nuts, bend
wires, etc.
REQUIRED
Multi-Cutter
Cut dowels, strips,
recycling bin items, etc.
optional
Reamer
Ream splines (teeth),
from holes so
dowels spin freely.
optional
Mini Hammer
Tap dowels into
other components.
Other Supplies
- Scissors
- Tape
- Recycling Bin Materials (optional - for more creative designs!)
You're in the right tab!
Make sure you have the right components - check the Go Guide (see above).
You will need to pre-cut the dowels for this activity, or your kids can cut them (with adult supervision).
TeacherGeek Tools
REQUIRED
Screw Driver
Drive screws into holes.
optional
Slip Joint Pliers
Grab nuts, bend
wires, etc.
REQUIRED
Multi-Cutter
Cut dowels, strips,
recycling bin items, etc.
optional
Reamer
Ream splines (teeth),
from holes so
dowels spin freely.
optional
Mini Hammer
Tap dowels into
other components.
Other Supplies
- Scissors
- Tape
- Recycling Bin Materials (optional - for more creative designs!)
Activity Pack Components
What comes with the Launcher 2.0?
The table shows what comes in each single kit. To see what comes in a 10-pack, just multiply by 10.| Component | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
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#10 25mm Screw | 8 |
 |
#10 50mm Screw | 1 |
 |
#10 Hex Nut | 8 |
 |
Connector Strip | 2 |
 |
Dowel - 30 cm (12 in) | 6 |
|
Dowel - 10 cm (4 in) | 2 |
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Hole Plate | 1 |
 |
Perpendicular Block | 7 |
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Small Rubber Band | 8 |
 |
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