Games are a great way to build skills while having fun. So this St. Patrick’s day, grab a few tools that will get those kids thinking. This project has some unusual pieces, but is easily modified, so if you don’t have it at home, try something comparable.

Here’s the basics of what you need:

A cup (for the goal)

Some lightweight balls (to shoot at the goal)

A jumbo popsicle stick (for shooting)

A spring (for resistance)

A paint stick (for the base)

Duct tape (for the hinge)

Decorative stuff – paint, sequins, pipe cleaners, etc. (for fun)

Hot glue

Start by lining the end of the paint stick up with the end of the jumbo popsicle stick. Add a piece of duct tape over the top edge of the sticks so they can open and close freely. This is your hinge.

Wrap the excess duct tape around the sides of the hinge. Secure it with a second piece of duct tape on the un-taped side, and wrap in the same fashion as the first piece. You now have a hinge!

If you press the two sticks together, you will feel a level of resistance, but it’s not enough act as a shooter. Put the spring in between the two sticks, and you will begin to get a feel for where it fits best on the base.

Once you’ve found the sweet spot where it will launch you ball, use hot glue to secure the spring to the base. Do not glue the spring to the popsicle stick! You will need the full motion of the top stick to launch the ball into the air.

When the glue is cool, it’s time to decorate. Your game is ready! There are many ways to play, but for St. Patrick’s Day, why not pretend that you’re a leprechaun and you’re saving up treasure in your pot of gold. The person who gets the most of their color in the cup wins the pot!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!