St. Patrick’s Day Simple Machines Activities

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

Link: https://youtu.be/PW3LGaGK0Qg?si=2r5Nwlraa8w9FBKT

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: 

1. Build a base using popsicle sticks. 

2. Create a lever using additional sticks. 

3. Attach a spoon or bottle cap for launching. 

4. 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: 

1. Create a pulley system with string and a cup. 

2. Decorate the trap with green paper. 

3. Set up the trap and place a toy on a bait platform. 

4. 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: 

1. Create a rolling cart with bottle caps and sticks. 

2. Set up an incline using cardboard. 

3. Place a box or container at the bottom as the trap. 

4. 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. 

Looking for ways to make lesson planning easier?

Planning themed STEM activities like these St. Patrick’s Day simple machines projects can take time, especially when adapting lessons for different grade levels. AI tools can help by generating activity ideas, creating material lists, and aligning lessons with learning standards. Learn more in our blog post "How Teachers Can Use AI In the Classroom".

These St. Patrick’s Day makerspace activities give students hands-on experience with simple machines. Building catapults, pulley traps, and rolling carts helps them explore levers, pulleys, wheels, and motion while practicing problem-solving and engineering skills. Encourage students to test and refine their designs to see how the concepts work in action.