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Leprechaun Trap Testing Agency

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Grades K-245-60 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids define what makes a trap successful, then build and test a trigger mechanism to catch a sneaky leprechaun. It's a favorite spring project that mixes engineering with a little luck.

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Prep: 8 minActivity: 35 min1 session~$0/groupOne table or a small area of floor spaceBeginner-friendly

Setup

Gather shoeboxes, string, craft sticks and clear a small work surface. Read the Leprechaun Trap Testing Agency mission aloud, then place the supplies where children can choose and compare them safely.

Activity

  1. Define what would count as a successful trap and predict what kind of trigger mechanism could catch a leprechaun.
  2. Build a trap using a shoebox, string, and craft sticks with a working trigger.
  3. Test the trap and discover it springs too early or not at all, then adjust the trigger's sensitivity.
  4. Demonstrate the finished trap successfully catching a toy leprechaun for the class.

Done when: Children complete the core mission and the finished trap successfully catching a toy leprechaun for the class.

Materials

A shoebox, craft sticks, string, tape, a small toy or coin as bait

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Define what would count as a successful trap and predict what kind of trigger mechanism could catch a leprechaun.
  2. Build a trap using a shoebox, string, and craft sticks with a working trigger.
  3. Test the trap and discover it springs too early or not at all, then adjust the trigger's sensitivity.
  4. Demonstrate the finished trap successfully catching a toy leprechaun for the class.

Standards it satisfies

  • NGSS · K-2-ETS1-1

    Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through development of a new or improved object or tool.