The first post here lists a number of BOOKS featuring science experiments for Sunday School. There are also many good online resources listed in subsequent posts.
Most Science Workshop teachers and lesson writers borrow freely from such resources. They have found that one experiment can often be adapted for many different Bible stories.
A listing of "Science" Resources that "demonstrate Christian ideas"
**I do not vouch for the theology in these books. This listing is merely an effort to provide some starting points for those who wish to find and examine books with science experiments that purport to demonstrate Christian ideas/values/scriptures. Amazon Books.
Amazing Science Devotions for Children's Ministry. Sheila Halasz (Editor), Group Publishing, 1999. 94 pages. ISBN: 0764421050. Use kids' natural curiosity to involve them in 10- to 15-minute devotions. Help them discover the powerful God who created all of nature. 41 devotions. Group & One Way Street & Amazon Books.
77 Fairly Safe Science Activities for Illustrating Bible Lesson by Baker Books, 2013, 9780801015373. 77 science activities that reveal the order and grandeur of creation and encourage an appreciation of all God has made. Each activity includes a key verse from Scripture, a Bible lesson, an activity, and a science explanation.
God's Love for Us: Simple Science Object Talks. Heno Head. Standard Publishing, 2000. 48 pages. ISBN: 0784712034. CBD & Amazon Books
It Only Takes a Spark: 40 Active Faith-Building Talks. Kim Marxhausen. Concordia Publishing. 1998. 64 pages. Kindergarten - 4. ISBN: 0570053293. Fascinate children and hold their attention with this collection of 40 children's talks that use simple science experiments to illustrate faith concepts. Concordia Publ. & Amazon Books.
More Simple Science Object Talks (Heno Head Does It Again). Heno Head. Standard, 1997. Reading level: Ages 9-12. ISBN: 0784706506 CBD & One Way Street & Amazon Books
Our Love for God: Simple Science Object Talks. Heno Head. Standard Publishing, 2000, 48 pages. ISBN: 0784712042. Amazon Books
Science and the Bible : 30 Scientific Demonstrations Illustrating Scriptural Truths.
Donald B. Deyoung. Baker Book House, 1994, 110 pages. ISBN: 0801030234
Dr. Donald DeYoung integrates principles from the natural world with the truths found in Scripture using simple yet exciting science demonstrations. Using common household items and containing clear illustrations, these dynamic demos are easy to perform. Each has a surprising or stunning result, making the Bible truth learned by the audience unforgettable. Included are tips for performing the experiments successfully so that the Scripture lesson will not be lost in the excitement of the presentation. Diagrams and pictures aid in preparation. Amazon Books.
Science and the Bible : 30 Scientific Demonstrations Illustrating Scriptural Truths,
Volume 2. ISBN: 0801057736 Donald B. Deyoung. Baker Book House, 1997. Dr. Donald DeYoung integrates principles from the natural world with the truths found in Scripture using simple yet exciting science demonstrations. This second volume of "Science and the Bible" introduces thirty new demonstrations. Using common household items and containing clear illustrations, these dynamic demonstrations are easy to perform. Each has a surprising or stunning result, making the Bible truth learned by the audience unforgettable. Included are tips for performing the experiments successfully so that the Scripture lesson will not be lost in the excitement of the presentation. Diagrams and pictures aid in preparation. Amazon Books.
Sensational Object Talks. Bonnie Bruno. Standard Publ., 1997, 48 pages. Reading level: Ages 4-8 ISBN: 0784706166. Amazon Books.
Show Me: Devotions for Children. by Susan L. Lingo. Group Publishing, 1997. ISBN: 0764420224. These eye-catching devotions for children use science tricks, sleight-of-hand stunts, and illusions to drive home memorable Bible truths. The devotions are simple enough for an all-thumbs first grader, but slick enough to intrigue a playground of 5th graders to stop for the show. Amazon Books
Simple Science Family Nights Tool Chest. Heritage Builders Series. Jim Weidman and Mark DeNooy with Kurt Bruner. Chariot Victor Publishing/Cook Communications, 1999, 105 pages. ISBN: 1-56476-739-6. Hands-on learning begins with fun for the whole family science
experiment designed to help children apply biblical principles as they learn important truths about Christian living. Amazon Books & Heritage Builders.
Simple Science Object Talks. Heno Head. Standard Publishing, 1997. Reading level: Ages 9-12. ISBN: 0784706174. CBD & One Way Street & Amazon Books
W*O*W! Exploring God's World of Wonders With Preschoolers. Group Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0764421077. Preschoolers love to explore--and with this kid-friendly guide you'll help them discover God's natural world. Lessons help preschoolers explore the seasons, the weather, the earth, the air, the ocean, and more. You'll connect kids with their Creator through memorable Bible verses, amazing science tricks, motion games, tasty cooking, fun music, stories, and other great activities. Group Publishers
*** These books come WITHOUT THEOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATION***
Unfortunately, sometimes the COOL 'science' experiment seems to get FORCED into service for certain ideas and stories.
You also have to be aware of how YOUNG students interpret the science experiment. According to developmental theory, younger children have trouble understanding metaphors.
To younger kids, saying "Jesus is like a rock," can me he is hard and round!
Demonstrating the washing away of sin in baptism by making red dye disappear looks like a magic trick to a first grader. Older children can make the leap of understanding, but you need to be careful with younger.
Some metaphors don't work or are too forced.
EXAMPLE: Showing how pepper floats on water due to water tension and it is repelled by soap, does not belong in a lesson about Jesus walking on the water and Peter sinking. His miracle was not science in the least. But, it would make a good illustration about evangelism, don't you think?
Spend time on crafting your EXPLANATION.
<>< Neil
