Software: Abraham and Sarah
Link to the Downloadable Zip File
Guide to Abraham and Sarah software (a version is also included in the download)
Lessons at Rotation.org that use this software include:
- (WT) Abraham & Isaac: God Will Provide ~ Computer lesson
- Call and Covenant Software and Music Lesson Ideas
Abraham and Sarah features five areas of interactive presentations and activities:
I. The Call and Giving of the Covenant
II. Sarah and Abraham's Visitors (Sarah's laughter)
III. The Near-Sacrifice of Isaac
IV. Insane Fanat-asy Song and Reflection activity (What will others say about my faith?)
V. Pay It Forward (A "living out the call" take-home activity)
Abraham and Sarah software features a unique and rather mysterious interface -- the "Scriptorium" (partially seen above) with its rising menu options that launch students into different learning areas. Several of the learning areas have animations and videos, and many have key songs with special visuals that help teach and reflect on important concepts. Like many other Sunday Software titles, Abraham and Sarah has content designed to start discussion and take students deeper if they and their teachers wish to go. Perhaps more than any other program, Abraham and Sarah focuses on life application -- "the Call" fo faith God extends to each of us, and how we can respond.
Age Range: Optimally grades 3 and up. Younger teens too. Younger children will enjoy some of the visuals, songs, and presentations, but will need help navigating.
System: Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11. BE SURE you have QuickTime 7.7.9 for Windows installed before installing this program. It’s a free download at https://support.apple.com/kb/DL837
Permissions: Sunday Software is making this program available to the Supporting Members of Rotation.org free of charge. The program may be installed on as many computers at your church as needed or shared with your church's members for their home use. The file may not be publicly posted or otherwise distributed beyond your congregation's use.
The software begins with a song and animation about the Call. See the Teacher's Guide for teaching suggestions about this section.
One of the coolest things about this software is the way it deals with the difficult subject and story of Abraham's "near sacrifice" of his son Isaac. The software does by bringing students into the animated scene as witnesses and questioners. A special music-video with interactive study screens makes the important theological connection between the sacrifice in this story and God's sacrifice of his son on the cross.
A map game introduces students to the geography of Abraham and Sarah's journey, the ancient kingdoms of Abraham's time, and the modern country in that region today.
The software includes some special learning activities such as a "camel race" quiz for one or two players or teams about all of Abraham and Sarah's story as found in the software.
Abraham and Sarah is rich in life application activities. The above screenshot shows one of the interactive screens that students fill out and discuss after viewing a short music-video about the response one young person experienced from his friends when he started going to church.
Tech Tip: Adjust your Windows "display" zoom to make this program fill more of your screen. Learn how.