Integrating Faith in Science Lessons: Teaching Kids to See God's Design & Sin's Impact

Welcome to our new series where we explore practical ways to integrate a biblical worldview into everyday teaching moments. In this edition, we focus on a simple yet profound question that can transform science lessons: "What parts of this experiment show God's design and do any parts show the effect of sin?" This question not only encourages scientific inquiry but also deepens students' understanding of the world through a scriptural lens.

The Power of a Thought-Provoking Question

When teaching science, it’s essential to go beyond the empirical data. By asking about God’s design and the effects of sin, we guide children to see more than just the mechanics of a science experiment; we help them see the world as God sees it. This method of questioning fosters a dual understanding of natural laws and theological truths.

Exploring God’s Design and Sin’s Impact Through Common Experiments

Example 1: The Egg Drop Experiment

In the egg drop experiment, students use various materials to protect an egg from a fall. This experiment is perfect for discussing both God’s design and the effects of sin.

• God’s Design: The creativity and ingenuity in designing protective devices for the egg reflect God’s image in us. It aligns with Genesis 1:28, where God commands humanity to have dominion and stewardship over the earth. This shows students that, like our Creator, we are designed to innovate and solve problems.
• Effects of Sin: Conversely, the broken eggs represent the brokenness of the world due to sin, as outlined in Genesis 3:17. This discussion can lead to deeper reflections on how sin affects our world, causing decay and destruction even in controlled settings.

Example 2: Butterfly Life Cycle Observation

Observing a butterfly’s transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly is another vivid illustration of biblical principles.

• God’s Design: The orderly and predictable stages of the butterfly’s life cycle demonstrate God’s meticulous care and planning, as described in Genesis 1:24-25. Each stage is a testament to God’s loving and detailed design of nature.
• Effects of Sin: However, the fact that not all caterpillars survive to become butterflies can lead to discussions on Romans 8:20-22, where creation is described as being “subjected to futility.” This part of the lesson can help children understand that the world is not as perfect as God originally designed it to be and is awaiting full redemption.

Conclusion: Engaging Students in Deeper Reflection

By incorporating these elements into science teaching, we provide students with a unique lens to view both the natural world and the spiritual truths that underpin it. It’s about more than just answering questions correctly; it’s about shaping a worldview that integrates faith with learning.