During one of our youth club sessions, the young people decided they wanted to build something that would test their creativity and teamwork. And ideas began to spring up. After a few suggestions and plenty of laughter, they agreed on a plan: pyramid catapults.

They gathered around a table, writing out everything they’d need, sticks, rubber bands, glue, cups, and mapped out how they might make their catapults launch the farthest. Planning quickly turned into building. They held a conversation as teams and worked out how many sticks to use, how tightly to bind them, and where to position the cup for the best throw.

Upon making the pyramid catapult, each design was different. Some were neat and precise; others bold and experimental. When it came time to test, every launch drew cheers, laughter, and fresh ideas for adjustments. The young people learned through trial and error how a small change in balance or tension could completely alter the result and launch furtherest.

This Stem activity brought out problem-solving, focus, and collaboration. Young people who usually hang back found ways to contribute, measuring angles, steadying hands, suggesting tweaks. They encouraged each other through every failed attempt and celebrated each success as a team.

Later, during reflection, they spoke about how much they enjoyed figuring things out together and how it made science feel real, something they could do with their own hands. The experience built confidence and sparked curiosity about design and engineering.

Supported by People’s Postcode Lottery, sessions like this give young people the chance to explore, experiment, and see that STEM is about imagination as much as it is about precision. Each project is a step toward discovery, and a reminder that learning can be both creative and fun.