Having my students build leprechaun traps must be in my TOP 5 LESSONS ever!!! This unit is filled with so much learning and fun!! When we take time to reflect at the end of the year, this one goes in the memory books. It even garnered attention from the Kinders that were heading my way the following year. Yeah. It's THAT good.
Whether your students love STEM or haven't really dabbled in it much yet, this project is NOT intimidating. It is NOT something that the teacher has to carry the burden or load. It IS something that you can bring into your classroom that will empower your students and allow them to collaborate. It does take a small amount of foresight, when you're gathering materials, and it takes classroom management for your sanity. Other than that, it's easy peasy.
One thing I will mention... Last year I posted about this on my Instagram @mrshenryinfirst and used the pretty Amazon box at the top of this post as my example. One teacher who purchased it was pretty upset that I didn't include the rainbow as part of the download. I have since added it. BUT I have to admit, a little bit of my soul died that day. Ok, I'm slightly dramatic BUT please know that this unit is supposed to be in the hands of your students. For me, that's first grade. First graders do not make boxes like the one pictured with a rainbow. They make ones like you see in the picture above: sloppily placed tape, wonky stick bridges, and misspelled labels. But they ACT like they built the Taj Mahal. It's the best.
I've gathered up ALL my leprechaun trap resources in one mini unit. Here's what I've included:
After my students have spent the week constructing, I love to set the traps off while they are away at lunch. When they come back, I've turned the toilet green with food coloring, left a letter from the leprechaun, and gold coins for the kiddos. They go crazy! You can find this Leprechaun Trap Mini Unit in my TpT Store HERE.If you decide to do this unit with your students, I hope you'll tag me on Instagram. I'd LOVE to see all the fun!
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