Preparation for St. Patrick's Day

I have heard that a sneaky little leprechaun likes to visit Pashley Elementary school on St. Patrick's Day.  Our class wants to be prepared should we get a visit!  We would love to catch that little guy and get his gold!  Today we got into groups and made Leprechaun Traps.

But first... some guidelines that made us REALLY have to think!

Then, the kids got into their cooperative groups and brainstormed ideas... 

Then... the creativity and building began!  Here are some of the groups working on their traps...

And here are the finished products!!

The groups enjoyed presenting their traps to the class.  I've provided a little synopsis on each below.

This group made a "pot of gold" and put it inside a shoebox.  Then, they cut a hole in the top of the shoebox so that the paper towel roll would fit inside.  After reading the message, "Here's some good, good gold," the Leprechaun will be able to look inside the box and will want to jump in!  Once inside he will not be able to get out!!

This group chose the BIG box.  They, too, made a "pot of gold" inside the box.  After reading their sign, that says, "There is treasure inside!" the leprechaun will be tempted to climb up through the "ladder" (paper towel roll) and jump inside to get the gold!  Since the box is SO big and the leprechaun is SO small, he will not be able to get out!

And last, but not least... the "Minute Maid" trap. :) This group decided to put their "pot of gold" on the outside.  However, when the leprechaun tries to pull on the string to get the bowl down, the bowl will fall on him and trap him.  This group also came up with a plan B (in case the leprechaun is too smart for the outside of the box trick).  They thought the Leprechaun might try to jump inside the box.  However, if he does they put paper and cardboard at the bottom for cushion.  They need to catch that guy alive and well so they can get the gold from him!  This group purposely decided NOT to write a message on the outside because they thought the leprechaun would know that it was a trick!

We know that leprechaun's are very clever, so I think the groups did a great job trying to outsmart him!  Tomorrow we will be working on Irish Sayings and making our own leprechauns.  Check back soon to see them and to see how well our traps work!!