Objective:

Students will apply their knowledge of 3rd grade math concepts to design and build a leprechaun trap. They will use measurement, geometry, multiplication, and problem-solving skills to create a working model.

Standards Covered:

• Measurement & Data
• Geometry
• Operations & Algebraic Thinking
• Place Value 
• Elapsed Time
• Mass

Project Instructions:

1. Plan Your Trap (Math in Action!)
2. Build Your Trap (With a bunch of math manipulatives you have on hand)
3. Use Math to Explain Your Trap
4. Present Your Trap

Assessment Criteria:

✔ Creativity & Design – Does the trap show effort and a unique design?
✔ Math Application – Are measurements, multiplication, and geometry concepts clearly used?
✔ Presentation – Did the student explain the math and the function of their trap clearly?

This activity is a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while reinforcing math skills!

The Leprechaun Trap STEM Challenge aligns with the following 3rd Grade Common Core Math Standards:

Measurement & Data (MD)

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.1 – Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals (e.g., "How long did it take to build the trap?").
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.2 - Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.C.5 – Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.C.6 – Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square in, etc.).
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.C.7 – Relate area to multiplication and addition (e.g., "The trap door is 3 inches × 4 inches, so the area is 12 square inches").
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.D.8 – Solve real-world problems involving perimeters of polygons (e.g., "The perimeter of my trap’s base is...").

Geometry (G)

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.1 – Understand and identify different geometric shapes and their attributes.

Operations & Algebraic Thinking (OA)

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.1 – Interpret products of whole numbers (e.g., "I used 4 popsicle sticks in 5 places, so I used 4 × 5 = 20 sticks in total").
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3 – Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.D.8 – Solve two-step word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Base Ten (NBT)

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NBT.A.2 - Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Grade 3 – Forces and Interactions

• NGSS 3-PS2-4
  Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
  (While this focuses on magnets, it introduces problem-solving with forces, which connects to simple machines.)

Grade 4 – Energy & Engineering

• NGSS 4-PS3-4
  Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
  (This can include levers, pulleys, and other simple machines that transfer energy.)
• NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design)
  Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
  (This can involve using simple machines to solve problems.)

This project integrates multiple math concepts in a hands-on, engaging way while encouraging problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration!

Simple Machines SafeShare Link:

https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5ce56a8bdd041#