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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Increasing Student Motivation

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Understand Your Students' Interests. Take the time to get to know your students and what they are passionate about. You can do this through surveys, discussions, or informal conversations.

Once you know their interests, show them how the subject matter you're teaching is relevant to their lives or interests. 

Incorporate real-world examples and case studies into your lessons. These examples can help students see the practical applications of what they are learning.

Offer choices. Whenever possible, give students some autonomy in choosing topics or projects related to the subject. When they have a say in their learning, they are more likely to be motivated.

Show Enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm for the subject matter can be contagious. Express your own passion for what you're teaching, and it can inspire your students.

Provide Positive Feedback. Recognize and reward students for their efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can increase motivation.


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