It was a lucky afternoon for first graders at Mandalay Elementary School, who got to work with their parents for a St. Patrick’s Day-themed STEAM activity on March 14.

Each student welcomed one special guest to build a leprechaun trap. The hands-on activity is an annual first grade tradition. At home, children and their parents discussed a plan and brought in necessary supplies. Teachers Christine Kopp and Alex Martinek also provide some materials like construction paper, cardboard tubes, pipe cleaners and wooden sticks. 

The goal was to create a trap that would lure a leprechaun over the weekend, with the hopes of finding one when students returned on St. Patrick’s Day. They made signs to entice a leprechaun like “Free gold.” 

Leading up to the project, students read a book, “How to Catch a Leprechaun,” and did writing projects on what they would do with a pot of gold. 

Teachers said this is a fun way for students to explore the engineering design process in a collaborative way. They added that having their parents at their side helps spark creativity and imagination.