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Joseph Story Archaeology: Sand Dig
Posted by Stephen Johnson from Pecan Grove Church, Greenville, Texas
Gather several items to represent spots in the story of Joseph. Be creative here:
- Spool of Thread: Used when making the coat of many colors.
- Toy Handcuffs: Joseph was put in these when thrown into jail.
- Silver Cup: The one "stolen" from Joseph by his brothers.
- A ring: The ring Joseph wore and used for a seal.
Next you'll get a large container and fill it with sand. Hide all you items at different layers while you fill it.
NOTE: Sand is heavy so don't put all this together until you are in your teaching room. You'll also want to put down a blanket or tarp - as this may get messy!
Spend some time at the beginning of class discussing the science of Archaeology. You might find a good children's book about it so you can show them pictures of a real dig. Discuss how archaeologist are careful when unearthing new finds. Discuss some of the findings which support stories in the Bible.
Next tell them a brief overview of the story of Joseph - touching on each part of the story you have an artifact for.
Now hand out tools. You can use plastic spoons, toothbrushes, whatever you have that will work. Let the kids work one at a time removing the sand and putting it in another container until they find an artifact. When they find something have them switch to the toothbrush and carefully remove it.
As each artifact is removed - tell them more details of the story. Use the artifact to show them how it would have been used.
2005 is our first rotation year - and this was one of their favorite activities so far.
