Hi Kimberly,
Interesting question! A couple of demonstration/object lessons came to mind. I hope you and others will be able to fill out some of these ideas that are coming off the top of my head and think of some demonstrations (experiments) for the others I didn't come up with any thing (yet). No doubt you can't do them all, but a couple would be cool.
If you like some of this, and do it, promise to post your PHOTOS and descriptions. Ok?
-Neil
PS ...when searching for science experiment ideas, it's better to use the term "Object Lesson" than "Science Experiment" ...as our demonstrations in that workshop are really just that, and not so much "science." You get a ton more results that way too.
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
----This one will take some re-purposing, but I think it could work, and it's a great demonstration. The Rocks and Sand in the Jar demonstration. Ch Min Mag uses it to teach "priorities in your life" God/prayer first (rocks), etc. then all the sand, in order to fit all in the container. But I think the metaphor demo could be re-designed to talk about the "empty space" that will be filled if you put your life in the right order. (Theo Note: "Poor" in spirit doesn't mean "empty." In the context of what Jesus is saying in the Beatitudes and elsewhere, it means something more like "expectant," knowing you need, waiting, This isn't the Buddhist idea of spiritual emptiness, but one of Jesus' "reversal" ideas, which the other Beatitudes flesh out even more. "Beatus" is "wealthy" or "full" in the Latin (Roman) language, which comes to us as Blessed/Happy in the English.) So....Jesus is literally saying, "WEALTHY is the JAR who know they are in need of all God's good things, because they will be able to receive them." [this needs some concept shaping, but it could work.]
Here's the demonstration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp4KbbMAEeU
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
---I'm thinking of something with bandaids. Getting/giving, perhaps in a game to see how many you can give away (stick) to each other.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Q: How is weak (made) strong?
A: When it works together for God.
Demonstration: A single popsicle stick breaks easily. A bundle can't be broken.
Add: Label the sticks to represent ways we show humility (caring, forgiving, etc)
Can also be done with yarn and is a good example of the reason God gives us churches/families too.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
---
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
---
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Q: What clouds our view of God, good things, right paths? What fills our heart with wrong things?
Demonstration: What makes cloudy water clear? Heart "pure"?
Demonstration: There are numerous experiments you can find on line where red coloring is removed by addition of purifying agent. Behind the clear plastic container could be the words "God" written in Red. Why red? So the letters are not visible through the red liquid. I just thought of that, so would need to be confirmed!
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
How peer pressure makes people not want to be a peacemaker. You’ll need a balloon, black Sharpie marker, and an empty water bottle. Beforehand, blow up the balloon and draw the phrase "CHILDREN OF GOD" on it with a Sharpie marker. After the ink dries, deflate the balloon. Now, insert the balloon into the empty water bottle and pull the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. The balloon should be hanging inside the bottle. Choose someone to help you with the demonstration–someone who claims they can blow up a balloon. Give them the bottle and tell them to blow hard into the balloon so that it will inflate. No matter how hard they blow, the balloon will not inflate inside the bottle. This gives us a picture of what it’s like to be influenced by pressure. Peers are the people around us … friends and family who maybe don't want to make peace, or are afraid to step forward. Now, remove the balloon from the bottle and let your assistant blow it up. OR.... poke a 1/4" hole in the bottom of the bottle (representing God). The words "Children of God" will appear on the balloon. When this person freed himself from peer pressure because they want MORE to be God's child. they are free to grow and thrive and become what God intended. Adapted from Church Leader Mag by Neil.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs (THEIR REWARD) is the kingdom of heaven.
---similar to 11, so maybe the needle/balloon demo could do double duty
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
A demonstration I love to do, that originated as "magic" trick:
Blow up a balloon and draw your portrait on it and add your name. Pull out a needle and ask, "what happens when the needle hits the balloon?" The needle represents all the evil, hateful, sinful stuff that can come at us. It threatens to shatter our faith, burst our self-esteem, and make us fall to pieces. Demonstrate that. Now do this trick: Place a small piece of transparent tape on the balloon and poke the needle through the tape. The balloon will not pop. What does the tape represent? (knowledge of God's saving love? healing? spirit of steadfastness? Dovetail these concepts with the Beatitude.