A Leprechaun Trap STEM Activity – with a Twist!

Leprechaun traps are always good fun but instead of doing the same activity that your students have (probably) already done before, why not try something new? Combine a leprechaun trap idea with other interesting elements for a new twist on an old favorite: simple machines and stop motion animation!

Why Simple Machines?

Simple machines are one of the tried and true ways for kids to learn about force and motion. Examples of simple machines are all around us, from doorknobs, to door stoppers, to pencil sharpeners, etc. Spend some time going on a simple machine scavenger hunt around your classroom or school. How many can your students find? Can they find an example of each simple machine?

Why Stop Motion Animation?

If you have never tried physical or digital stop motion animation with your kids, you are missing out on SO.MUCH.FUN. and creativity, too! This activity requires perseverance but the result is always worth it! Read more about stop motion animation in these posts:

Stop Motion Animation STEAM Project Physical stop motion

Create Digital Stop Motion Animation

Watch a sample of a stop motion animation of a leprechaun being trapped:

You can use a variety of tools to create the animation (the above was created in Google Slides). Read the posts above for more ideas or download the resource to have all the animation elements you see above available to you with just a click!

Get Hands-On with Leprechaun Traps

If you have the time and supplies, student can then try to create a prototype according to their digital plan. You may need to provide things like lego wheels, or plastic lids and dowels, strings, cardboard, etc.

Find More St. Patrick’s Day STEM Ideas

This post has even more ideas for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with STEM:

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