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.