Introduction

Science object lessons are of interest to everyone from age five to ninety-five. Such lessons help our understanding of God’s creation and his Word. This book began with three smaller volumes published by Baker Publishing Group under the title Science and the Bible. Each volume contained thirty simple object lessons with a Bible application. These earlier lessons are gathered here with many new ideas and activities for successful teaching.

This book contains seventy-seven Bible- and science-related activities. They have been used successfully with small and large groups, both young and old. With help, children can also perform most of the activities at home. Most people have an interest in science, even if they are somewhat intimidated by it. The creation in all its wonder calls out to our hearts and minds for attention. In these activities science ideas are used to illustrate biblical truth. The Lord Jesus freely used everyday objects to communicate his message, including rocks, water, sheep, and flowers.

One major danger with science activities is that they may be remembered while the Scripture lesson is lost. The goal of the presenter should be to reverse this common problem. The activity should be like a compass that points back to the Scripture challenge. When a similar object is seen by the listener weeks or even years later, it can again bring to mind the application of the related Bible lesson. For this reason, all the objects used in these activities are familiar and readily available. Each lesson is divided into three parts: a short Bible lesson, an activity, and a science explanation. The latter is provided for those who want further background information and can be integrated in the actual presentation. Deletions and additions are also encouraged. The lessons are purposely not written for word-by-word repetition. Any effective lesson must be adapted to the presenter’s own style.

No effort is made in the lessons to cover every possible aspect of the Christian life. Instead, these particular lessons are chosen to be of practical help for all ages. Every lesson can be made evangelistic with a proper introduction and ending challenge. The lessons include the Old and New Testaments. The New King James Version of Scripture is quoted for the most part.

If you have questions or comments about these activities, feel free to contact the author in care of Baker Publishing Group. It is my hope that this book will encourage the study and enjoyment of the Bible for all ages and that it will stimulate an awareness of the everyday details in God’s creation that illustrate biblical truth.

Ten Hints for Successful Science Object Lessons

1. Don’t let activities “steal the show.” Start with a presentation of the Scripture. Memorize it if possible. Emphasize the main point of the lesson at the conclusion so the audience will clearly remember it.
2. Practice the science activity ahead of time. Repetition helps bring a smooth delivery, and practice avoids surprises when you are in front of the group. Remember the five P’s for object lessons: prior practice prevents poor presentations!
3. Double-check that all needed materials are present and arranged in convenient order. Small details add up to a confident and effective presentation.
4. Adapt activities and Bible lessons to your own situation and interests. Improvise with available materials; insert new ideas of local or current interest. Creativity will hold the attention of your listeners.
5. When unexpected results occur in an activity, laugh and build them into your presentation. The audience will understand and be on your side.
6. Read the background of the Scripture passages. If you are comfortable and familiar with the Bible story, your confidence will be apparent.
7. Good activities use everyday materials. When seen again months later, these items can trigger memory of the Bible lesson. Use of common items may also encourage the audience to try the activities for themselves, extending the learning process.
8. Many of the best activities involve a dramatic point: an unexpected result such as a popping balloon, or something that causes the audience to “ooh and aah.” Science activities should be alive and exciting.
9. Have the audience participate as much as possible. Instead of the lecture approach, help the listener be a part of the Scripture lesson and activity.
10. Safety for you and the audience is the highest priority in any science activity. Plan ahead for possible problems; don’t take chances. Know where a first aid kit is located. If the activity involves a flame, have a fire extinguisher nearby.