Science lessons and ideas for teaching the Story of Creation in Sunday School

Post your science Sunday School lessons and ideas for the Story of Creation, the 7 Days of Creation: Genesis 1 and 2.

Please describe your science activity, ingredients, and steps with sufficient detail. A list of supplies is more than helpful. Photos of lessons are welcome!

The Creation Story
A Gardening Science Lesson

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Children will build a terrarium. A terrarium is a "closed system" -- it depends on the creator for its existence, and on good stewards like us to "tend" to its ongoing needs for its continued success as a way of honoring the creator.

Scripture References:

Genesis 1:3-15, Genesis 1:20, 24, 26

Lesson Preparation:

• Read the scripture ahead of time.
• Gather the materials.

Supplies List:

• Plastic 2 liter soda bottle (one per student)
• Sharp scissors or craft knife
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Water
• Paint markers
• Pipecleaners (optional)

Advance Preparation Requirements

Prepare the bottles. Remove the label and wash the bottle and cap. Cut the bottle close to the bottom.

Gardening Science Lesson

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Encourage the children to think about how out of absolutely nothing, God created the world and all its variety. Remind them to think of all the places that are very different from where they live. Have them share ideas about some of the things God created that are special to them.

Tell the children that they will be making a terrarium, which will provide an environment for a plant to grow, just as God created the Earth for His creation (plants, fish, birds, animals, people) to grow.

Dig:

Read the verses from Genesis that tell the creation story. Pause after each verse and give the children directions on how to build their terrarium.

Read Genesis 1:3 – 10 

Have children add potting soil to the base of the terrarium.

Read Genesis 1:11 – 13 

Have children plant seeds in the soil.

Read Genesis 1:14 – 15 

Explain to the children that the plants need light to grow and their terrarium should be put in a sunny location.

Read Genesis 1:20, 24, 26

Remind children that we are to have dominion over the earth and its creatures.

Ask: What does "dominion" mean? (it means responsibility)

Say: We need to take care of the wonderful gift that God has given us. We can take care of our terrarium! Have the children add water to the soil. Cover the base with the top of the bottle. Tape if needed.

Optionally, give each student a pipecleaner and tell them to shape it into their OWN shape and add it to the terrarium. God created them to be part of his creation.

Talk more about the "closed" system of the terrarium and its parallels to Creation which is setup up by the Creator who asks us to help tend to creation's needs.

Discuss what things a good steward might need to do to help God's Creation (their terrarium).

Discuss some of the pressing environmental issues facing humanity and your local community.

Closing:

Ask the children if they have any prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for giving us this marvelous world to grow in.