Learn about simple machines with a St. Patrick’s Day twist! Inspired by How to Catch a Leprechaun, try 3 fun activities using markerspace materials.
How to Catch a Leprechaun Read-Aloud
Description: How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace is a fun, imaginative story where kids try to catch a tricky leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Each page features a new, clever trap, but the leprechaun always escapes using his magic and quick thinking. It’s a playful tale that blends creativity, problem-solving, and St. Patrick’s Day fun.
Duration: 2:29 minutes
Read Along by StoryTime Out Loud
Makerspace Activity Ideas:
1. The Lucky Gold Coin Catapult
Materials:
Popsicle sticks
Rubber bands
Spoon or bottle cap
Gold-colored paper or foam
Small cup
Instructions:
Build a base using popsicle sticks.
Create a lever using additional sticks.
Attach a spoon or bottle cap for launching.
Set up the gold coin and launch it into a pot!
Challenge: Try to launch the coin the farthest or into the pot!
What Students Will Learn: Students will explore the principles of levers and force, as well as how simple machines like a catapult can be constructed using basic materials to launch objects.
2. Catch the Leprechaun with a Pulley Trap
Materials:
Small cup or basket
String
Dowels, pencils, or straws
Tape or glue
Green paper
Small toy or marble
Box or cardboard
Instructions:
Create a pulley system with string and a cup.
Decorate the trap with green paper.
Set up the trap and place a toy on a bait platform.
Pull the string to catch the toy!
What Students Will Learn: Students will learn how pulley systems work and how simple machines like pulleys can be used to lift and move objects, applying these principles to a themed trap.
3. Rolling Cart Trap for Catching a Leprechaun
Materials:
Bottle caps
Craft sticks
String
Small box or container
Tape or glue
Cardboard
Instructions:
Create a rolling cart with bottle caps and sticks.
Set up an incline using cardboard.
Place a box or container at the bottom as the trap.
Set the cart in motion to trigger the trap!
What Students Will Learn: Students will gain an understanding of wheel and axle systems, motion on inclines, and how gravity can be used to trigger mechanisms, all while applying basic engineering concepts to create a working trap.
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