Pot of Gold Launcher and Game

Build a tool that can launch “golden” pom-poms and see how many you can make into the pot!

To build the launcher:

• Use the scissors to make a cut lengthwise down the toilet paper tube. Cut from end to end. 
• Curl the tube so that the opening is about half the original size and use duct tape to tape along the cut and hold it in place
• Make a mark about half an inch away from one of the ends of the tube. Use the scissors to make a small hole on the mark. Then, make another hole opposite the first one. 
• Push the pencil through the holes. 
• Set that tube aside and pick up another one. Cut a flap on one end of the tube about half an inch wide and half an inch deep. Make another flap the same size opposite to the first one. 
• Loop a rubber band around each flap. Use duct tape to tape the rubber bands to their flaps in the cardboard tube. 
• Hold the rubber band tube so that the rubber bands are facing you. Put the pencil tube in the opposite end of the rubber band tube so that the pencil sticks out on the side opposite to the rubber bands. 
• Very carefully pull each rubber band down and loop it around either side of the pencil. 
• Your launcher is ready to test!

To play the game:

• Put a yellow pom-pom - aka the piece of gold - on the end with the rubber bands. To launch, gently pull the pencil back and then release, and watch the pom-pom fly!
• After testing the launcher out a few times, set up the game space. Place the leprechaun pot (or bowl) on the ground and decide where you will play from - this could be three feet away, five feet, etc. Use the yardstick to measure and put a small strip of tape on the ground to mark the launching spot.
• Make a prediction - how many pieces of gold will you be able to get in the pot?
• Play the game and see if your prediction was correct!

• Will it be easier to get gold in the pot if you stand further away or closer? Try changing the distance and see what happens!
• Will it be easier to get gold in the pot if the pot is higher than you or lower? Experiment with moving the pot around to locations above your head (like on top of a bookshelf), below you (on the floor), and the same height as you (like a table or lower shelf on the bookshelf)
• Is it easier to launch small objects or large ones? Experiment with the same height and distance but change whether you use pom-poms or something larger or smaller (but still soft) like a cotton ball)

We want to see your at home lab experiments!
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