Share a Minecraft prank

What can we use instead of a redstone comparator or sticky piston if those are hard to craft?

If you can't get a redstone comparator or sticky piston, use a trapped chest that emits a redstone signal when opened or place an observer facing the chest and run that signal to a regular piston holding the support block under the stacked sand.

Why doesn't the sand fall into the pit or the piston retract when I test the prank, and how do I fix it?

If the piston doesn't retract or the sand lands on a player, make sure the comparator or observer is directly next to the chest, add redstone repeaters if the signal needs to travel farther to the sticky piston under the stacked sand support block, and confirm the hidden chamber is three blocks deep so sand goes into the outside pit.

How can I adapt this prank for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger kids, simplify by using the cleared 7x7 treasure room with chests full of wool or bread and a visible trapdoor over a shallow pit instead of redstone, while older kids can add delay repeaters, multiple pistons, and extra signs to build a more complex secret mechanism.

How can we improve or personalize the prank before sharing it on DIY.org?

Personalize the secret room with colored wool and 'TREASURE' signs, wire the comparator to a note block or redstone lamp so it plays a sound or flashes when the chest opens, and photograph your build to post on DIY.org.