God’s “Stuff”
by Roger Festerling
Dad, why do my goldfish die all the time?
Hey, Mom, look at these pretty flowers growing by the back door. What kind are they?
Did you guys ever wonder how dogs became tame?
Questions, questions, and still more questions. Sometimes parents view all this curiosity as bothersome. The truth is these questions can become wonderful opportunities to glorify our Creator-God.
I teach science. In my conversations with parents, I often hear them ask, “Is it really important for my child to be interested in science?” Sometimes they’ll even admit, “Science scares me. Too often I just don’t know the answers to my child’s probing questions.” Many parents feel this way.
I respond by telling them that the things we see around us in the natural world are all God’s “stuff.” Surely we want to take an interest in what he has made for us. I remind them that his creations is a gift. He gave all of it to us to rule and care for. Granted, it can be a little overwhelming at times. Some of the questions our children ask deal with unfamiliar material. But there are ways for parents to cope even with the most difficult questions. Maybe you’ll appreciate a few practical suggestions.
A springboard to understanding
First, learn to treat every question your child asks as a springboard. Dive in tougher for a closer look at God’s wonderful creation. When you examine it closely, you will begin to see the unbelievable detail, the amazing complexity, and his perfect workmanship.
In contrast, when we scrutinize man’s accomplishments, we see flaws, weaknesses, and poor workmanship. The most magnificent work of human art loses its beauty when examined at close range. The world God first gave Adam and Eve, even after thousands of years, just keeps looking better and better as we get to know it.
A large segment of our society worships the creation (crystals, stars, green earth) instead of the Creator. They see the beauty and complexity and stand in awe of it, as they indeed should. But they refuse to recognize that it’s not a tree’s will to grow tall, to spread its branches for shade, or to adorn itself with the beauty of autumn leaves; it is the Creator’s will. He gave it life and set in its chromosomes the plan for its existence. They don’t agree that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). In stubborn unbelief they refuse to give glory to the God of all creation.
In addition to the discoveries you make with your child, the interest you take in the natural world is also a springboard to discussions. In these talks you can lead your child to see the difference between worshiping creation and worshiping the Creator.
A sincere commitment
Helping our children appreciate God’s goodness and power requires commitment. We have to be bold to confess our faith, unafraid to show our ignorance, willing to ask for help, and truly excited about science ourselves. Our children have an uncanny way of picking up on our attitudes. They know how we feel about things, so be honest with them. If you don’t know, say so. Then make an effort to learn together.
There are some excellent television shows that deserve a second look. Various programs offer ways you can learn some wonders of science together. Viewing as a family can also be teaching time. Teach your child to compare the evolutionary teachings heard on TV with what the Bible says. (HINT: When dealing with evolution, phrases like stupid, bad, or really dumb are not particularly useful. Instead, point out the sad condition of unsaved humanity. Guide the discussion toward understanding what makes evolutionary thinking so dangerous to human souls.) Consider making a video library or playlist. Then make the time to watch them at your family’s leisure.
Hands-on “stuff”
Hands-on experiments are another way the whole family can get into science. How about studying bats? Most people find the through detestable, but closer examination reveals that these super night flyers are wonderful insect eaters. Have a blindfolded member of the family get from one side of the living room to the other, using other family members as spotters. Count the number of hits on furniture. After much laughter, a great discussion can follow. Marvel at how these little creatures (“blind as a bat”) can fly through a forest without a single hit. God had radar in place much earlier than our government did.
Try this nest-building fame. Give each person 30 minutes to build a nest on a branch of a tree from materials found in the yard. Hands are allowed. After the judging is down and prizes are handed out, a lively discussion on birds and their nests can follow. Talk about have beaks and clawed feet make birds’ homes engineering marvels. Many books have good illustrations. (Better yet, observe nests without removing them from neighborhood trees. Many birds use the same nests year after year.)
The only limitation is your own creativity, time, and enthusiasm. Be ready to borrow someone else’s ideas. Take time to slowly small God’s roses. But beware! Your enthusiasm will be catching. We do not really have to look too hard; his heavens declare his handiwork. It’s all around us. All we have to do is take a closer look One word of caution: You may really begin to like this so much that your kitchen will become a small science laboratory. Wouldn’t that be great?
16 great family science adventures
by Frieda Rendahl
Teaching children to love God’s creation is easy. Children ask questions naturally. They wonder; they speculate. Parents support and validate children’s curiosity when they show interest and join in the search for information. Simple activities turn the backyard, the sky, or a ride in the car into exciting investigations. Enjoy the fun of discovery–together!
Astronomy
- Pick up a book about constellations from the library. Read how the constellations were named. Locate favorite constellations on a clear summer night.
- See if the constellations rise at the same time each night.
- Make a drawing of the moon’s position in the sky each night as it rises. Use the same sheet of paper each night and date each addition. Try it again in two months. Is the path across the sky the same?
- On the calendar draw pictures of the phases of the moon each night for a month. How long does it take the moon to turn from a new moon to a full moon?
Biology
- Keep a list of the animals you see around your yard. Are the same animals there all year?
- What kind of animal homes can you find? Talk about the ways their homes protect animals.
- Find two different kinds of flowers. Carefully take them apart. Describe how they are alike and how are they different.
- Use two similar plants. (Two weeds from the garden will work well.) Study the roots. Put one plant in a plastic cup and cover the roots with water. Put the other in a plastic cup with no water. Note the importance of water to living things.
Geology
- Gather a handful of rocks. Sort the rocks as many different ways as you can (color, surface appearance, hardness, texture). Determine which rocks can be scratched by other rocks.
- Observe the shape of the stones along beaches you visit. Most of the stones will be smooth and rounded. This is a sign the stones have been carried by water. Are there any stones along the beach that are not smooth and rounded?
- Walk around your neighborhood and look for the various ways people use rocks and stones. God’s creation of rocks and stones blesses man in many ways.
- Look for signs of erosion and ways people have of preventing it. Ground cover, terraced plantings, black plastic at construction sites, and fences are all ways of conserving soil.
Meteorology
- Make drawings of the clouds you see. Observe what kind of weather follows each kind of cloud. Use the library to research the names of the clouds.
- Keep track of the local weather forecasts. How often were the forecasts correct?
- Time the thunder-storms in your area. What is the average length of a thunderstorm?
- Using chalk, draw your children’s shadows on the sidewalk or driveway at different times during the day. Record the time by each shadow. If the children stand in the same spot each time you make a drawing, the shadows will form a “sundial” by the end of the day.
Activities such as these encourage children to ask questions about God’s creation. As they discover answers, they will want to learn more. Learning about God’s wonderful world will help them sing God’s praises as David does. “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. . . . He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills” (Psalm 147:7,8).
From Lutheran Parent July-August 1996 © 1996 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.