Want to catch a leprechaun this St. Patrick’s Day? This leprechaun trap uses a coffee can, a popsicle stick ladder and plenty of shiny bait.
It’s a fun STEM challenge that gets kids planning, building and testing, with a little magic mixed in.
How to Build a Leprechaun Trap
Leprechaun Trap STEM Project
Get the printableEmpty, clean coffee container with lid
Green construction paper
Green paper shred
Gold coins and shamrock beads
Glittery foam shapes and shamrocks
Yellow and mini popsicle sticks
Glue, scissors and strong tape
Cover the can
Wrap the coffee container in green construction paper with glue or tape.
Fill it
Fill it about ¾ full with paper shred and add foam shapes and gold coins.
Decorate the lid
Glue a shamrock and gold coins to the lid, then tape the lid on so it hinges.
Prop it open
Prop the lid open with a popsicle stick resting on a few coins.
Build a ladder
Glue mini popsicle sticks across two yellow sticks for a ladder and let it dry.
Set the trap
Lean the ladder against the can and scatter shiny gold and green bait around it.
Tips for Catching a Leprechaun
- Go shiny: Leprechauns can’t resist glitter and gold.
- Plan first: Have kids sketch their trap and list materials.
- Test it: Does the lid snap shut? Can a toy climb the ladder?
- The morning after: Leave a tiny note and a few cereal marshmallows from the leprechaun who got away.
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Add some fizzy science with our pot of gold experiment.
The leprechaun trap packet includes
- Trap planning sheets
- Graphing activities
- A note from the escaped leprechaun
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Kindergarten through 3rd grade
- STEM and school projects
Leprechaun Trap FAQ
Cover a coffee can in green paper, fill it with shiny bait, prop the lid open with a stick and add a popsicle stick ladder.
A coffee can, construction paper, paper shred, gold coins, popsicle sticks, glue and tape.
Yes. Add the planning sheets to show the design process.
Gold, shiny objects and anything green, according to legend.
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From families like yours
Did you try it? Tell us how it went!
We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
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