Construct a simple bow and arrow with branches and saplings.
The bow and arrow was one of man's first weapons. There is early evidence of these kinds of tools in northern Germany from around 8,000 to 9,000 B.C. Early bows were made from elm or yew saplings, while the arrows were constructed from stone flints tied to hazel branches with resin and nettle stems. By the Middle Ages, the bow and arrow was the weapon of choice for soldiers in Europe. Today, children can play knights in armor with homemade bows and arrows. To create a kid's bow and arrow in 30 minutes, look for materials in your backyard.
Instructions
1. Remove leaves and small branches from a tree sapling approximately 3 feet long. Any bendable tree branch would work, but ideally a sapling from a cedar, elm, apple or ash tree is ideal.
2. Cut a small, shallow notch into one end of your tree sapling, about 1 inch from the end. This will hold the shoe lace securely.
3. Knot the shoelace, approximately 20 inches long, to the notch. Be sure to double knot it so that it will stay. The notch should keep the shoe lace from sliding. If you do not have a shoelace, you can use kite string or nylon cord.
4. Tie a slipknot to the free end of the shoelace to secure it to the end of the sapling.
Tie a slipknot at the free end of the shoelace. Pull back the free end of the sapling and hook it with the slipknot to create a bow. Draw the bow to be sure the lace is tight.
5. Remove any leaves or small branches off a tree branch about 10 inches long. Place it into your bow, while holding the bow with one hand, and pull it back to fire with the other hand.
Tips Warnings
Wrap masking tape around the center of the bow for easy gripping.
Tape feathers around one end of the arrow for decoration.
You can also fashion a bow with a plastic hanger and tie a shoelace to it.
Do not add a sharp arrowhead to your arrow.
Never point the arrow at a person or an animal. If you need to practice shooting, shoot at a box or tree stump away from other children.
