Dancing Raisins

Theme: Seek the Lord’s direction.

Bible Verse: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)

Materials Needed:

• One dozen raisins

• Clear drinking glass

• Large bottle of clear soda

Bible Lesson

We live in a world of rapid movement. Airports and highways are crowded; information surges through electronic networks and the air. We often feel the stress from this busy lifestyle. We must make quick decisions, then suffer the consequences if things go wrong.

In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon cautions us regarding hasty decisions. Whenever possible, we should exercise the ability God has given us to think through to the results of our actions. It takes extra effort to consider the consequences, but this effort is very worthwhile. Many potential problems can be avoided in this way. For example, major purchases should be preceded by considering their impact on our budget. We must also remember that a quality purchase is often wiser than a substandard bargain.

Notice that Solomon’s proverb refers to material gain. This is certainly not the chief goal in life, but profit rather than poverty can enable us to help others and also to avoid financial tensions. Not all problems or opportunities that come our way can be anticipated. However, many can, and people who plan ahead will enjoy a calmer life as a result.

Science Activity

Years ago this activity commonly involved dropping mothballs into water. As the mothballs dissolve, carbon dioxide bubbles form on their surfaces and float them to the top. There the bubbles break loose and the mothballs sink back to the bottom. The restless up and down motion of the mothballs humorously illustrates our modern lifestyles.

The activity can be done more simply by dropping raisins into a glass of clear soda. The raisins gather carbon dioxide at the bottom, float to the top and lose their bubbles, then drop downward again. This works best if one uses fresh, dark raisins and room-temperature soda. Raisins are not essential; peanuts, buttons, uncooked spaghetti, or other small objects will also gather bubbles and float momentarily. While watching the “dancing raisins,” ask the participants if their schedules sometimes are similar: much running around with little real progress being made. Ask for suggestions on how we can prevent hasty mistakes, unproductive errands, and wasted time. The list might include:

Asking God for direction through prayer.

Seeking counsel from others.

Combining several errands into one trip.

Taking adequate time for reflection before making major decisions.

Dancing raisins rise and fall in a solution containing carbon dioxide gas.

Science Explanation

Soft drinks hold a considerable amount of dissolved carbon dioxide, CO2. This results in dilute carbonic acid, which gives soda its familiar tangy taste. At warmer temperatures the soda can hold less gas so it bubbles upward. You have probably seen the result of a rapid loss of carbon dioxide when a soda container is vigorously shaken before opening. As an alternative to soda, Alka Seltzer and water also release carbon dioxide.

The raisins or other small objects have a density just slightly greater than water. If small bubbles of CO2 attach to them, they are buoyed upward to the surface. They will remain there until the bubbles separate; then they drop downward again.