Our class embarked on a design challenge to trap a leprechaun! First we did some research. We read stories about leprechauns to better understand these sneaky little creatures.
Then, we talk about how we could lure a leprechaun to our trap. Students came up with some great ideas.
Next came the prototyping. Students grouped together based on what they thought would be the best way to trap a leprechaun. As a group, they drew a prototype trap to plan out how the trap would work, how they would lure the leprechaun to the trap, and how they would keep the leprechaun in the trap!
Students went to the STEM lab to build a trap to set up in our class room. Students had a variety of materials to use to build their trap: pipe cleaners, glitter, buttons, glue, scissors, cardboard, plastic tubes, etc.
Last, we set up the traps the night before St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, we did not catch a leprechaun, but he did make a mess of the traps in our class. He sprinkled glitter and ate all the lucky charms cereal we set out! Next year I hope we have better luck!
This is so fantastic! What a treat to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and engineer the leprechaun traps. I love the interdisciplinary aspect of this.