Science

Thematic Units, Day 1

He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. Psalm 104:5 (ESV)

              Louie Giglio created a series of teachings entitled, Indescribable (1). The youth pastor designed a discipleship weekend that revolved around this topic, and everyone was blown away. Giglio referenced telescopic imaging, satellite pictures, and other scientific data. With each new discovery, his excitement grew. And so did his wonder.

The God who created this earth also created the entirety of space. Each tiny detail of every planet was designed by his hand. Patterns, rotations, and processes were set in motion by our Creator. Galaxies, universes, suns, and moons all came from God and his precision is uncanny. Giglio used what every eye in the room could see to point his listeners back to God.

Even though the teaching was over twenty years ago and I was an adult leader, not a youth, I vividly remember that weekend of study. God’s majesty in the heavens took my breath away. But the coolest part of his presentation was he based it all on scientific findings.

Science is a subject where God can be highlighted without ever mentioning his name. Romans 1:20 (NIV) states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” From the universe above, to the insects below, God’s finger is evident in every piece of the creation around us.

I’ve never understood the science teacher who only used the textbook. Of all the courses, from kindergarten through college, science is the one that undeniably provides opportunities for hands on instruction with every topic. Biology, entomology, geology, astronomy, meteorology, are just a few of the sciences that students can immerse themselves in. When we are excited about learning, so are our students. When we make lessons tangible, kids remember them.

Even as adults, science can reel us in. My dad was chosen to participate in a butterfly summer internship when he was a high school science teacher. He traveled all over the state of Florida locating, tagging, and researching species and gained tons of knowledge he took back to his classroom. No matter where he travels, he identifies and describes the fluttering insects to all around him.

That’s what units in science can do for your students. Don’t just learn about space, take a virtual field trip, read astronaut biographies, taste space food, take a field trip to a rocket launch, and explore space through telescopes. Instead of only reading books about insects, go outside and discover them. Watch documentaries, set up a see-through ant farm or bee colony, invite experts to speak, watch activities under a microscope, and visit an entomology museum virtually. Kids will never forget units like these, and standards can all be met in the process.

Science captivates. And so does God. Even if your school does not allow God’s creation to be reference, remember Romans 1:20 (ESV): “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Ask God to make himself known to your students through the excitement, awe, and wonder around them. And immerse them deeply into his amazing creation.

(1.    reference https://louiegiglio.com/talks/)

Do the Heart Work

1.      What topics/units in science were the most intriguing to you in your younger years of learning?

2.      What areas of science are the most captivating to you now? How can you share these with your students and spread the awe and wonder?

3.      How can you put God on display in your classroom without ever mentioning his name?

Digging Deeper

1.      The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. Psalm 19:1-6 (NIV)

2.      Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Isaiah 40:12 (ESV)

3.      For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:18 (ESV)

If You Get Spare Time

       Those of you who teach math, English, or social studies are likely feeling left out. Here’s my first challenge: figure out how to incorporate science into your classroom. Interesting articles, interviews, documentaries, or projects can draw students in who normally aren’t interested.

       My second challenge: In your personal time with God, spend time admiring the scientific world and standing amazed in his presence. Consider the intricacies of a beetle, butterfly, dog, plant, or person. Praise God for his great works and lift him up in honor.