Matchstick Cannon

What you will need for this project is:

1. Aluminon foil

2. Tape

3. Scissors

4. Paper

5. Strike On box matches

6. Toothpicks

7. Knife

To make our cannon, we take a small section of foil and roll it over a toothpick. Leaving half of it to be folded over to close the cannon on one side. Now, remove the toothpick and we have the beginning of our little cannon.

To make the explosive for our cannon, take the knife and scrape off the red ends of the matches on to a piece of paper. Once all of the red is removed from the match, use the knife to crush it to a powder.

To load the cannon easily, carefully fold the paper with the red powder in half and cut a point. Toothpicks can also be used as ramming rods to pushing the powder all the way in. With the scissors we can cut a tooth pick down to use as ammo for the cannon. The small end pictured is still too long and needs the point cut off of it.

Finally, you need a small stand for your cannon. Secure the cannon down so that it stays still when firing. Place a burning match under the cannons back side and wait for it to fire. This cannon can be reloaded a number of times, Enjoy!