Saint Patrick’s Day STEM Challenges (March STEM)

Teacher friends,

Looking for a fun (and educational) way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with upper-elementary students?

It’s typical for students to begin losing focus in the classroom, especially during holidays. Real learning does not have to go out the window just yet, you just have to mask it such a way where it doesn’t quite seem like learning to students… but in fact, still is! These Saint Patrick’s Day-themed challenges have science, technology, engineering, and measurement activities for your upper elementary kids that will really get their brains going during this season!

STEM groups must design a leprechaun trap using simple machines. The groups must decide on a simple machine using a visual/information guide and incorporate it into their design. They must create a trap for a leprechaun who is 2½ inches tall and 1 inch wide. If they test their trap and it does not work properly, they have two more attempts to fix their design. Students have two days to finalize the design of their trap. Students are not required to use all of the items listed below, they are suggestions for their trap. The group who can incorporate the most simple machine concepts in their design wins the challenge! Creativity in their design is a must as well!

***for more information and supplies used in the challenge, scroll down to the end of the post!

Using a list of supplies, STEM groups must design a Rainbow Run that showcases both kinetic and potential energy at use. The design must have a single large curve, in the shape of a rainbow. Students are not required to use all of the items listed below, but they are not allowed to add items to the list –

Using a list of supplies, STEM groups must create a floating pot of gold that is designed to carry as much gold (pennies) as possible! STEM students should discuss and predict which materials and strategies would help their device carry the most gold while staying afloat. Groups only have three attempts to test their pot of gold. They may have to redesign their pot if it fails (breaks apart). To test, STEM groups will place one penny at a time in their pot. The group whose pot of gold can hold the most pennies wins the challenge! ***for more information and supplies used in the challenge, scroll down to the end of the post!