Scripture: Genesis 5-9
Learning Objectives:
- Students will review the story of Noah and the Ark.
- Students will learn about how the animals and people fit and survived on the Ark.
- Students will learn how the Ark was created.
- Students will develop an appreciation for what Noah may have experienced on the Ark.
Guiding Question: How did God fulfill His plan through Noah and the Ark?
Materials: stakes and rope to stake out dimensions of the ark
*optional – have animals brought in that may have been on ark for the students to see
Procedure: Have an area outside staked out to the dimensions of the Ark. Bring the students over to the ark and have them watch a play. After the play, review with the students why the animals were taken on the ark and what kind were taken on the ark. Tell the students that people have estimated that as many as 16,000 animals could have easily fit on the ark. Explain that Noah probably took young animals so they could have a lot of babies after the flood. Tell the students that while it did rain for 40 days and 40 nights, Noah and his family were on the ark for over a year because it took so long for land to reappear. If possible, allow time for students to see animals who would have been on the ark and learn about how they were cared for.
Additional Questions: How can students learn more about the dedication needed by Noah and His family to build the Ark and follow God’s plan?
Supplemental Activity: Have each student come up with and share a scenario in which they had to devote great dedication to something. Have them explain why they were so dedicated and what challenges they may have had. Ask the students how they would feel if they had to build the Ark and deal with the challenges Noah and his family had to deal with. Would it be easy to be so dedicated?