Scripture: Exodus 13-16
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God will provide what we need.
- Students will learn God does not always give us what we want.
- Students will learn God wants us to appreciate the gifts He has given us.
- Students will conduct an experiment to show
Guiding Question: Why is it important to follow God’s instructions for our lives?
Materials: plastic jars, worms, soil, sand, gravel, water, grass clippings, leaves
Procedure: Review the story of the Escape from Egypt. Remind students how it was important that they followed God’s instructions so they would do the right thing and get to safety. Ask students why it is important to follow God’s commands and instructions in our lives today. What would happen if we did not? How do God’s commands help us to have a better life?
Introduce students to worm experiment. Give each student a plastic jar. Have students fill the bottom level with gravel.Then have them put a layer of sand and then soil. (Repeat as needed.) Next have students drop in a couple of worms on top with grass clippings and leaves. Make sure the top of the jar has air holes. Don’t put the jar direct sun or worms will die. Students may need to add a few drops of water if soil is dry. Give students the chance to watch worms eat decomposing leaves and grass and “till” the earth. Ask the students why it was so important that they followed each step carefully. Compare this to how it is important to follow God’s direction for our lives.
Additional Questions: How does lack of following directions lead to consequences?
Supplemental Activity: Have students create their own lava lamps. Make sure students follow instructions step by step. Ask students what consequences would come if they skipped a step or did it wrong? Then discuss with students what the consequences would be if we skipped over God’s commands for us or did them wrong.
Steps for experiment: https://www.noguiltmom.com/kids-activity-make-your-own-lava-lamp/