the Slime lab: introduction

Investigating:

-The Bible Story -Guess the Slimy Creature-Slime Time Lab -Slime Bucket

Testing:

-The Slime Laboratory-Craft-Games-Bible Memory Activity-Express Yourself-Snack-Trading Cards -Family Lab Report

Exploring:

-Slimy Facts -Doc Green and Lily, the Apprentice -Uncovering the Name-Discovering the Formula

Imagination Factory is a place where kids learn about Jesus by investigating His names. Inside the factory, there are four different “rooms” where kids will use their imagination as they learn: The Lab, The Gallery, Building Zone and The Junkyard. This unit takes place in the Lab, specifically the Slime Lab.

In the Slime Lab, kids will explore slimy creatures through multi- sensory activities, and create different types of slime through experiments and crafts. These fun experiences will be a springboard to learning about Jesus’ names found in Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.) They will not only learn the meaning of the names, but also how each name of Jesus applies to their own lives. Through the use of object lessons, drama, games, messy slime experiments, Bible memory, crafts and of course, Bible stories, kids will have a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, what He came to do and the relationship He offers them.

Each lesson contains:

exploring: Examining the name. Investigating: Discovering what God’s Word says about the name.

testing: Applying the results from the investigation.

the countdown All the names of Jesus covered in Imagination Factory are in the power point countdown. Each les-son has a countdown that will end with the name of Jesus covered during the lesson.

exploring

slimy facts A simple Power point game presents slimy facts. Kids decide whether the “facts” are true or not. The intent of the game is purely a fun introduction to the lesson.

Doc green and the apprentice Doc Green is a recognized authority on slime science. He not only knows about slime and all things slimy, he also loves all things slimy. Those near him know quickly how much he adores green squishy things, creepy crawly things and moldy dripping things. Unfortunately, his apprentice, Lily, does not share the same obsession being quite squeamish. In fact, she was hoping to land a job in the clean room working on computers when instead she was placed under Doc Green. The situation often seems like a nightmare to her.

Costumes: Doc Green: Green tie-dyed lab coat, lab glasses, disheveled appearance

Lily: “cute” clothing, put together look

uncovering the nameUncovering the Name is a power point game in which kids will try to guess what is behind the “slime” on the power point picture. As the pieces fade away, kids yell out guesses as to what is behind the slime.

Each name of Jesus has a symbol with it to help the kids remember not only the name but also the meaning of the name. This symbol will be referred to at different times during the les-son and is on the trading cards (see below for instructions on these.)

In addition, consider displaying an actual object for the symbol. (Example: symbol rock so dis-play a large rock.) Add the new symbol each week to help kids remember not only the name but also the meaning of the name.

If power point is not an option, place the symbol inside a box and have the kids “feel” the sym-bol trying to guess what is inside.

discovering the formulaThe main Scripture verse where the name is found will be introduced along with actions to help remember the verse. Encourage the children to find the verse in their Bible (or one you provide). The verse will also be on the power point slide.

Note: The verses are in ESV unless otherwise noted.

Investigatingthe bible story The Bible Story is either a narrative or passage of Scripture that helps the kids understand the meaning of the name of Jesus.

Prayer The prayer time has suggestions for specific things to pray about. This is a crucial part of the lesson. During this time children have the opportunity to reflect on the name of Jesus. It gives them a special time to talk to God and evaluate their lives. The goal of the curriculum is to not just learn facts about Jesus and His names but to lead the kids toward the One who can bring life transformation.

guess the slimy creature This object lesson uses slimy nature, either plants or creatures, to help the kids understand and rein-force the main biblical point of the lesson.

The Slime-O-Meter, a fun way for kids to register their vote, is a Powerpoint dial. As you advance the slides, the numbers will increase. Go backwards to decrease the numbers. Practice toggling the key-board navigation buttons to give the appearance of a meter.

slime time lab The Slime Time Lab contains a slime experiment that will be demonstrated in front of the kids to help them understand how this name of Jesus makes a difference in their own lives. It is a bridge between knowledge of the name and application of the name.

slime bucketThe Slime Bucket is a messy activity where kids will stick their hands in a bucket full of “slime” to find something hid-den. This item will be used as an application to the lesson.

A regular bucket can be used for this activity. Ideas for deco-rating: Spray insulation foam on the bucket so it looks like it

is dripping. Allow to dry and then paint the foam with green acrylic paint. Write letters “Slime” on the bucket. Use green duct tape to write letters or designs.

TestingThese activities work well for small groups. Pick and choose activities. the slime labKids will experiment with making different kinds of slime. This lab time will reinforce the main point of the lesson.

craftA simple craft will be made where the main point of the lesson will be emphasized.

gameA group game in which the name of Jesus will be applied to life.

bible memory activityKids will review the Bible verse using a variety of methods.

express yourselfKids participate in discussion with a small group.

snackA snack will be created in the form of the symbol that represents the name of Jesus.

Trading cardsTrading cards are similar to baseball cards. Two different kinds of trading cards are provided: one in color and one that can be colored. The cards contain the name of Jesus studied, the symbols associated with the name, and the Bible verse that corresponds with the name.

Print the cards on heavy cardstock. Each week give out the card corresponding to the name. The kids can collect the cards as a reminder of the name of Jesus and the meaning of the name.

Consider laminating the cards to provide a lasting reminder.

family lab reportGet families involved spiritually during the week. This take home paper provides the outline for what was taught along with suggestions for discussion and activities that can be done at home. It is simple so that parents can easily glance over the paper and understand what their child learned and implement some activities at home with ease.

planning aheadSuppliesAt the end of each lesson, you will find a supply list.

Special CharactersEnlist two adults or teens to play the parts of Doc Green and Lily, the apprentice.

Decorating Ideas A colorful factory can be designed for the set. When a unit ends and another one begins, the main part of the stage can be changed to show this transition.

Alternately, the set can be a Lab with clear containers holding slimy things: green “water,” fake frogs, snakes and worms, and green slime. Signs such as “Slime Zone” or “Watch for Slime” can be posted in the Lab.

Some simple ideas:

-Use dryer hoses for smokestacks on the factory. -Make conveyer belts using poles (dowel rods, empty wrapping paper tubes, PVC pipes) and fabric, plastic or paper. -Make the factory colorful- choose 3 colors to use throughout the series.

-Place “Do not enter” signs on fake doors. Put up fake doors to the other rooms with signs “The Gallery, “ “Junkyard” and “Building Zone.”

teaching tipscharactersGive each character room to ad-lib and develop a personality. They should never read their scripts. Also, they should not memorize them word for word. Ad-libbing give more authenticity to the char-acters.

teachingTeach from your heart and experience! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER read the lesson to the class. Always study ahead. Paraphrase the lesson in your own words. The “scripts” are meant to be a guide. Let the Holy Spirit work through you. The most important part of the curriculum is not the curriculum itself, but the teacher. Make sure you have prayed for the class before beginning.

powerpointPowerPoint is a tool to enhance your teaching. When you see a small graphic of a pp in the lesson that is your cue that there is a slide to complement a specific point. Be sure to practice teaching with the PowerPoint if you are not used to using it. Have an assistant follow the lesson and ad-vance the screen as necessary. Another option is to purchase a PowerPoint remote control.

working with slimeSome basic tips for working with slime:

1. If the slime is too runny, try again but use less liquid. Or let it sit overnight or in the refrigerator for a bit. 2. If the slime is too thick, try again using a little more liquid. 3. If the slime is too sticky, run water over it. Work it with your hands until it does not leave a residue. Talcum powder can be dusted on your hands and then worked into the slime. 4. Experiment with different amounts of ingredients to get the desired effect. 5. Impurities in tap water can result in slime not working correctly. Use distilled water if this is the case. 6. Add food coloring to the slime before mixing all the ingredients together. Neon colors are espe-cially fun for kids to work with. 7. When storing slime, dip it in water first and store in zip-lock bag to keep it fresh.

Memory Verses For this unit, the same memory verse is used each week:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

(All scripture used is ESV unless otherwise noted.)

Lesson Bible Point Bible Story Guess the Slimy Creature

Slime Time Lab

Slime Bucket

1. Wonderful Jesus, the Won-derful, fills us with

wonder because He is like no one else.

Jesus heals many; Matthew

15:29-31

Banana Slug Fake Snot Green Jello ® Slime

2. Counselor The Counselor, Jesus, will teach us and help us make

wise choices.

The Samaritan Woman at the

Well; John 4:1-42

Hagfish Hagfish Slime

Green Cream Slime

3. Mighty God Jesus, The Mighty God, is powerful and

fights for us.

Paul and the Thorn; 2 Corin-thians 12:7-10

Poison Arrow Frog

Mustard Slime

Worms

4. Everlasting Father

Jesus, as the Ever-lasting Father, is the source and provider

of eternal life.

The Words of Eternal Life;

John 6:60-69

Pyrosome Slime Tube

Applesauce Slime

Green Applesauce

Slime

5. Prince of Peace

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings calm to those who allow

Him to rule their lives.

Jesus Calms the Storm;

Mark 4:35-41

Water Hold-ing Frog

Toothpaste Slime

Cornstarch Slime

sound lab overview