As we focus on our mission of seeking first the kingdom of God and on ensuring that He is central to all aspects of our learning, I offer here some simple spiritual applications for science experiments (from Janice VanCleave’s 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments).
However, my first encouragement to others is to pray and ask the Lord for how you can see the truth, beauty and goodness of all He has set before you. Instead of prescribed devotions, consider asking questions of your children to discuss their ideas on how what you are doing (experiments, stories, art projects) applies to God’s Word or his creation.
- How does this reflect truth?
- How does this reflect the beauty of God’s creation?
- How does this show the goodness of God?
Questions like these will likely bring about deeper discussion and more memorable moments than reading a set of devotions (especially ones written by me). Even so, perhaps these devotions will spur ideas of further questions you can ask of your children. If so, to God be the glory.
As always, thanks for reading my thoughts and ideas.
Blessings from our family to yours,
Brandy
(For Classical Conversations families, this correlates to Cycle 1 Weeks 13-18.) If you’d like to have a visual for students, be sure to check out We Choose Virtues.
Experiment #121 & #127: Tilt and Sinkers Experiment (Week 13).
When our friends have a heavy burden and feel like they are sinking (paperclips), we can share the load and help them with the weight they carry. Sometimes we can help by offering words of encouragement. Sometimes we can help by offering hands of service. By being helpful in their time of need, we can leave an imprint on others’ lives.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:30-37)
Who in this story shared the burden? Who was more helpful?
By being helpful in others’ time of need, we can leave a lasting imprint on their lives.
Experiment #125: Spoon Pen Experiment (Week 14).
What kind of mark do we leave?
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We can see that the Thessalonians left a mark that led to God receiving glory. As we leave our mark on the tile today, let us all remember that we can have an impact on others. In fact, the Bible tells us that others will know we are His by this: that we have love for each other. (By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35) The Bible also tells us…
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Cor 10:24
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
By being kind, we can demonstrate Christ’s love for others. As you go about your day, think about the mark you are leaving – are you leaving a mark that shows Christ’s love?
Remember that we reflect our Savior when we are kind and compassionate toward others. (Psalm 145:8-9)
Experiment #128: Prints (Week 15).
Sin seeps into our hearts and breaks apart relationships and causes our lives to sink into darkness.
What does sin do?
It easily entangles. (Hebrews 12:1)
It enslaves us. (Romans 6:16)
It wages war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11)
It leads to death. (James 1:15 & Romans 6:16)
But… as we receive more light from God’s Word, we’re empowered to have self-control. His light gives us life and molds us into a new creation.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (New Interational Version, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (New International Version, 1 John 1:5,7)
Reading your Bible and having a prayerful relationship with the Lord helps you to have fellowship with others, and it cleanses us from sin. He helps us to have self-control.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, of love and of self-discipline. (1 Timothy 1:7)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
God is equipping you to do the right thing and honor Him and others with your actions. The light of his “print” will be evident to everyone around us!
Experiment #130 & #132: Stretch & Spurt Experiments (Week 16).
Sometimes the tensions and pressures of life can feel like they’re breaking us apart, but these trials can cause us to grow stronger. Trials help us to become more mature and complete. Remember when you are being stretched that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Experiment #138: Rock Bridge (Week 17).
When we are responding to people, are we building them up? We can use gentleness and calmness even in our disagreements. We can respond with gentle answers and actions, which will help us to live a more peaceful life with others. Are we bridging our disagreements with a gentle manner in our response?
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)
Experiment #140 & #142: Push up and up draft (Week 18).
{Use magnifying glass to look at details of something.}
Oftentimes we don’t notice what’s around us (as in the case of air, which has weight and exerts upon us pressure that we don’t even notice). Being attentive means we watch and listen carefully and notice what’s around us. Being attentive and listening to advice is wise and will add to our learning. Paying attention to God’s Word will protect us and guide us throughout life.
The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)
This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:17-18)
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.[a]
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[b] despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:5-7)
Scriptures related to rocks or stones
(Possible tie-ins for Weeks 19-24.)
Click here for some from Psalms…
Rocks, minerals, gemstones of the Bible
1 Samuel 2:2
1 Samuel 7:12
2 Samuel 22:2-3
2 Samuel 22:32
Psalm 18:2
Psalm 31:3
Matthew 7:24-25 (Wise and Foolish Builders)
Scriptures taken from:
New International Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 10 Jan. 2016.
If you have the Foundations Guide 4th Edition…
These devotions match up better to the experiments assigned in Weeks 13-18 of the 4th Edition.
Experiment #121 & #124: Tilt and Splitter Experiments (Week 13)
Sin seeps into our hearts and breaks apart relationships much like the freezing water does in our science experiment.
What does sin do?
It easily entangles. (Hebrews 12:1)
It enslaves us. (Romans 6:16)
It wages war against our souls. (1 Peter 2:11)
It leads to death. (James 1:15 & Romans 6:16)
But… as we receive more light from God’s Word and are leaning in towards the Son (as the earth’s tilt causes the northern hemisphere to lean towards the sun during summer), we’re empowered to have more self-control.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (New International Version, 1 John 1:5,7)
Reading your Bible and having a prayerful relationship with the Lord helps you to have fellowship with others, and it cleanses us from sin. He helps us to have self-control.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, of love and of self-discipline. (1 Timothy 1:7)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
God is equipping you to have self-control and honor Him and others with your actions.
Experiment #125: Spoon Pen Experiment (Week 14).
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We can see that the Thessalonians left a mark that led to God receiving glory. As we leave our mark on the tile today, let us all remember that we can have an impact on others. In fact, the Bible tells us that others will know we are His by this: that we have love for each other. (John 13:35) The Bible also tells us…
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Cor 10:24
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
By being kind, we can demonstrate Christ’s love for others. As you go about your day, think about the mark you are leaving – are you leaving a mark that shows Christ’s love?
Experiment #127 & #128: Sinkers and Prints (Week 15)
When our friends have a heavy burden and feel like they are sinking, we can share the load and help them with the weight they carry.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:30-37)
Who in this story shared the burden? Who was more helpful?
By being helpful in others’ time of need, we can leave a lasting imprint on their lives.
Experiment #130 & #132: Stretch & Spurt Experiments (Week 16).
Sometimes the tensions and pressures of life can feel like they’re break us apart, but these trials will cause us to grow stronger. Trials help us to become more mature and complete. Remember when you are being stretched that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Experiment #137 & #138: Shake-Up and Rock Bridge (Week 17).
When we are responding to people, are we causing turmoil like a raging river, or are we gentle like a peaceful pond? We can use gentleness even in our disagreements. We can respond with gentle answers and actions, which will help us to live a more peaceful life with others.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
Experiment #139 & #140: Tip & Push-Up (Week 18).
Oftentimes we don’t notice what’s around us (as in the case of air, which has weight and exerts upon us pressure that we don’t even notice). Being attentive means we watch and listen carefully and notice what’s around us. Being attentive and listening to advice is wise and will add to our learning. Paying attention to God’s Word will protect us and guide us throughout life.
The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:17-18)let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.[a]
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[b] despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:5-7)