March 2, 2024
The latest Praxis ‘Science Smarts’ column in the Medicine Hat News. The article may also be found in the Medicine Hat News (paper) or via digital copy at https://medicinehatnews.com/life/local-life/2024/03/02/science-smarts-lets-catch-us-a-leprechaun/.
I thought I should get a head start on some STEM activities for St. Patrick’s Day, which is approaching rather quickly. Those tricky Leprechauns are hard to keep ahead of, but this year, I think I may have found a way to catch one! I do not know about you, but I could definitely use a bit of luck, so will be working extra hard on this activity so I can catch a Leprechaun all for myself.
Let’s get started!
*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.
Materials
- Large popsicle/craft sticks
- Rubber bands
- Empty water bottle lid
- Double sided tape or glue
- Small net or Kleenex to fit in the lid (to catch the Leprechaun)
Procedure
- Take six of the popsicle sticks and stack them on top of one another.
- Secure them in place by wrapping a rubber band around each end. You may have to use two so it is nice and tight.
- Using two more popsicle sticks, stack them on top of each other. Again, secure them together using a rubber band on ONE end. Make sure it is tight and secure.
- Slide the large stack of popsicle sticks in between the two sticks. You will make a cross looking design. Secure all of the pieces together using more rubber bands.
- Using the double-sided tape, tape the empty water bottle lid on the opposite end of the two popsicle sticks; the end that is sticking in the air. You are making a basket to hold your net to catch a Leprechaun.
- Try this out so you are well practiced – you do not want the Leprechaun to get away this year.
- Place your net in the lid.
- Using your finger, gently pull the popsicle stick back and release.
- Observe what happens.
- Did it go far enough?
- Is the net heavy enough do you think to stop the Leprechaun in his tracks?
- Make any modifications you may need and keep practising!
What is going on?
Making a catapult is a great STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activity for the classroom or at home on a chilly day! A catapult uses math, science and engineering in a really fun way. Did you know that a catapult is a simple machine design that uses a lever?
You add force by pushing the lever arm down so it moves around the fulcrum that you let go. The fulcrum point is the point that does not move.
They are quite amazing machines as catapults store energy until you hit the trigger! The energy remains stored in the rubber band every time you stretch it out. The pull that you are feeling as you stretch the rubber band out is called potential energy. The catapult stores potential energy by stretching the rubber bands. The more energy you store, the farther your net will go.
Good luck, and let me know if you are willing to share your Leprechaun if you are successful!
The Regional Science Fair registrations are now open. The Virtual Science Fair registration deadline is March 4 and the in-person science fair registration deadline is March 18.
The 2024 Southeast Alberta Kiwanis Regional Science Fair will be on March 23 at Medicine Hat College. We hope to see you there!
Information regarding the 2024 Southeast Alberta Kiwanis Regional Science Fair may be found at:
Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant – PRAXIS: Connecting Science and The Community of SE Alberta
Praxis Science Outreach still continues to do science outreach in southeastern Alberta but because of financial constraints, we are making some program changes.
See https://praxisscienceconnection.wordpress.com/2023/02/09/praxis-science-outreach-society-program-changes/ for the details regarding our programs.
Webpage: https://www.praxismedhat.com/
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We also have another blog for events, activities and services that we offer. One of our latest posts was “Operation Minerva Southeastern Alberta 2024 Conference”
We are involved in many community activities in SE Alberta. Go to the bottom of the page to see other events and activities.
If you wish to support us (Praxis Science Outreach is a registered charity) please consider doing so at:
We are located at #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7
Phone: 403.527.5365 or email: praxis@praxismh.ca
Praxis Science Outreach Science Smarts Column 