- Ages 7–10
- 1 hour
- Hand tools + drill
Pencil & Marker Caddy
A hand-tool plan where young builders turn two stacked 2x4 blocks into a desk caddy for pencils, markers, and scissors.
$5.00
- Ages 7–10
- 1 hour
- Hand tools + drill
Tabletop Catapult
This is a printable woodworking plan for a tabletop, rubber-band-powered catapult, designed for builders ages 7–10. It's a 60–75 minute project using hand tools (a miter box and screwdriver), with a grown-up handling the drilling. The plan includes a cut list, a shopping list, full-size templates, and step-by-step build instructions.
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Project specs
| Age group | Ages 7–10 |
|---|---|
| Project length | 1 hour |
| Build time | 60-75 minutes |
| Tools | Hand tools + drill |
| Measurements | Imperial (inches) |
| Pages | 7-page PDF |
| Price | Home $7.00 · Classroom & Group $15.00 |
About this project
Your builder will measure, cut, and assemble a small catapult that swings a pom-pom (or mini marshmallow) through the air with a stretched rubber band. Every cut is a straight 90-degree cut made in a miter box, so there's no freehand sawing — just careful measuring and steady hands. Once the base, uprights, crossbar, and arm are cut and sanded, your builder hands the parts off to a grown-up for drilling, then comes back to install a hinge, twist in screw eyes, and loop on the rubber band.
This is a great next step after a first simple build: it adds a working hinge and a little bit of simple mechanics to the usual measure-cut-screw routine, and the payoff — a toy that actually launches something — is immediate and fun.
Skills you'll practice
- Measuring and marking a board accurately
- Making square cuts in a miter box
- Driving screws with a stubby screwdriver
- Installing a hinge
- Understanding simple mechanics (how a swinging arm launches a load)
Questions
What wood do I need to buy?
Just one 4 ft 1x2 pine board and a 2x4 scrap at least 11" long — a short cutoff works fine, or you can buy an 8 ft stud and have enough left for other builds.
Will my child be using power tools?
No. Your builder does every cut by hand in a miter box with a back saw. A grown-up handles the drilling for screw holes and the bottle cap.
How long does this project take?
About 60 to 75 minutes from first cut to first launch.
What will my builder practice?
Measuring, making square cuts, driving screws, installing a hinge, and seeing simple mechanics at work in the swinging arm.
Can we paint or decorate it?
Yes — the general build guide notes you can decorate once the templates are peeled off. Use water-based, non-toxic paints and finishes.
Is this safe for younger kids in the 7–10 range?
Yes, with a grown-up supervising every step. The plan calls for safety glasses at the bench, soft ammo only (pom-poms or mini marshmallows), and aiming only at targets, never at people or pets.
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