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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Checklist for Setting up your Classroom to Start the Year

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A well-prepared classroom sets the tone for a successful school year. Here's a good checklist for setting up your classroom to start the year. Of course, some of this may be optional depending on you room and grade level.

Classroom Supplies

1. Basic Student Supplies

   - Pencils, erasers

   - Crayons, markers, colored pencils

   - Glue sticks, safety scissors

   - Dry erase markers and boards (for individual student use)

   - Construction paper, drawing paper


2. Teacher Supplies

   - Sticky notes, highlighters, pens

   - Gradebook (or digital tool)

   - Laminator or access to lamination services

   - Stapler, paper clips, binder clips

   - Storage bins for centers and stations


3. Classroom Management Tools

   - Behavior chart or positive reinforcement system

   - Timer or bell (to help manage time transitions)

   - Visual schedule

   - Name tags for students


4. Classroom Decor

 - Subject-Specific Posters – Visual aids related to your subject (e.g., literary terms, historical timelines, math formulas, science concepts).

- Growth Mindset Quotes – Motivational posters to inspire resilience and effort.

 - Classroom Rules/Expectations Poster – Clear guidelines for behavior and academic expectations.

- Student Work Display – A bulletin board or wall space to showcase outstanding student work or projects.

- Class Schedule & Daily Agenda – A whiteboard or poster for daily/weekly assignments and announcements.

- Calendar – A space for marking important dates, due assignments, and events.

- Flexible Seating Chart or Group Areas – If applicable, signs or posters to designate areas for group work or seating rotations.

- Content Word Wall – Space to highlight key vocabulary terms that will be used throughout the year.

- Classroom Library/Reading Corner Decor (if applicable) – Cozy and organized space for independent reading.


 Health and Safety

1. Hygiene and Safety Supplies

   - Hand sanitizer and tissues

   - Cleaning wipes or spray for surfaces

   - Band-aids and basic first aid kit

   - Masks (if required)


2. Emergency Preparedness

   - Emergency contact list (parents, guardians)

   - Posted fire drill and evacuation plans

   - Walkie-talkie or phone access for communication


 Student Engagement and Communication

1. Parent Communication Tools

   - Welcome letter or packet for parents

   - Daily communication folder or app

   - Class newsletter template


2. Student Incentives

   - Stickers, stamps, and small rewards

   - "Star of the Week" display

   - Positive notes or certificates to send home


 Miscellaneous

1. Storage Solutions

   - Label bins for easy access (math, reading, art supplies)

   - Teacher organization tools (binders, file folders)


2. Substitute Teacher Binder

   - Class list and seating chart

   - Daily schedule

   - Emergency procedures

   - Lesson plans for substitute


More Teacher Tips at Teachersindex.com


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