Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM): St. Patrick's Day

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Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM) Instructions: Build a trap to catch a leprechaun using everyday materials. Follow the design process below! Objective: Encourage creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving by designing a functional trap that could catch a mischievous leprechaun. Planning Sheet: Materials List: What will you use? (e.g., paper, string, tape, cardboard, LEGOs, pipe cleaners, cups, paper towel rolls, craft sticks, aluminum foil, etc.) Sketch Your Design: Draw how your trap will work, labeling key parts and mechanisms. Trap Mechanism: How will your trap trigger when the leprechaun enters? Will it use a pulley, lever, or hidden entrance? Will you include bait like gold coins, glitter, or candy? Building Phase: Work on assembling your trap using the selected materials. Testing & Improvements: Try triggering the trap multiple times. Identify any weaknesses and refine the design. Reflection Questions: What was the most challenging part of building the trap? What ...
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How to Lower the Stress of Teaching

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Being a teacher can be a rewarding but also a stressful profession. 

Organize and Prioritize

Create lessons that manage classtime effectively. Prioritize concepts and focus on the most important ones first.

Set Realistic Expectations

 Understand that you can't teach everything perfectly. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a given day or week.

Effective Classroom Management

Establish clear classroom rules and procedures to create a positive learning environment to reduce disruptions and stress.

Delegate When Possible

Involve students in some classroom responsibilities. Seeking help from colleagues or parents.

Self-Care

 Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that you enjoy outside of work.

Learn to Say No

Don't overcommit yourself. Saying "no" to additional school responsibilities or projects.

Connect with Colleagues

Network with your fellow teachers. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly helpful in reducing stress.

Time Management

Develop time management skills to help you make the most of your non-teaching hours. Avoid procrastination and stay focused on tasks you need to complete.

Professional Development

 Stay up-to-date with teaching techniques and classroom strategies. The more confident you feel in your abilities, the less stressed you'll be.

Seek Support

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from a counselor or therapist. 

Work-Life Balance

Avoid taking work home whenever possible and set boundaries for when you'll focus on your personal life. Grade and plan as much as you can at school.

Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrate the small successes and positive moments in your teaching career.

Reflect and Adjust

Be willing to adapt and make changes when necessary.

Humor

Laughter can be a great stress reliever for both you and your students.

Teaching is a challenging profession, and stress is a normal part of the job. These strategies, can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being as a teacher.


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