Leprechan Traps

Leprechan Traps

I teach fifth grade and one of the topics we cover in science is simple machines. I tie this unit to St. Patrick's day each year by having my students build their own leprechaun traps. They read about leprechauns during reading time and are able to write interesting stories about how their traps are going to catch the leprechaun. Of course, I always specify that they include two different types of simple machines when they build their traps. They bring their traps the day before St. Patrick's day and at the end of the day, they have to explain to their classmates how their trap is going to work. The traps are all set before we leave. When they return the next morning, they are all suprised to find little green footprints all over the room and gold coins in their traps. The footprints of course were made with some green paint and the side of my hand. The gold coins are really just chocolate wrapped in gold foil. My students and I enjoy this every year.
Submitted by: rudiger@email-removed