SCIENCE LEADER

16 VBS themed experiments with easy-to-follow directions and Bible Story tie-ins Thank you to our consultant team! SCIENCE LEADER Beverly Ables, Lorena, MS; Ginny Phillips Allen, Mobile, AL; Jayne Andrews, Roanoke, VA; Ashlea Barton, Hendersonville, TN; Lauren Bedevian, Houston, TX; Sonia Brady, Nashville, TN; Jordan Brunelle, Columbia, TN; Mark Burrows, Fort Worth, TX; Cindi Chollett, Maplewood, MN; Jessi Cherrico, Nashville, TN; Pamela Crosby, Nashville, TN; Briana Craycroft, Melbourne, FL; Kirby Darden, Johns Creek, GA; Robin Denney, Hermosa Beach, CA; Denise Dugan, Olathe, KS; Pennye Duncan, Graniteville, SC; Stephanie Dunn, Nashville, TN; Heather Erickson, Colgate, ND; Susie Faas, Mason, OH; Daphna Flegal, LaVergne, TN; Stephanie Gaines, Little Rock, AR; Donna Godwin, Birmingham, AL; Angie Gongwer, Birmingham, AL; Tami Goodin, Princeton, MO; Kellie Green, Thompson Station, TN; John Haney, Hermitage, TN; Amy Harriman, Charlotte, NC; Amy Harrison, Goodlettesville, TN; Leslie Hart, Nashville, TN; Laurie Hembree, League City, TX; Kelly Hicks, Goodlettsville, TN; Erica Hoover-Risser, Medford, NJ; Hayley House, Waco, TX; Cheryl Ingram, Birmingham, AL; Stephanie Johnson, York, PA; Diane Jones, Eden, NC; Kacie Jumper, Temple, TX; Robb Killen, Franklin, TN; Selina Kilpatrick, Tucker, GA; Jill Lubinski, St. Joseph, IL; John Lubinski, St. Joseph, IL; Deb Lynch, Coldwater, MI; Kamili Mathis, Bradbury, CA; Meredith McBride, Plano, TX; Annie Moses, Angie, LA; Kim Orrock, Smithfield, VA; Taylor Post, Waco, TX; Susan Rodriguez, Pinetop, Cokesbury Editorial/Design Team AZ; Donna Rowan, Birmingham, AL; Mimi Sanders, Selena Cunningham...... Production Editor Tucker, GA; Eva Savage, Livingston, TN; Katie Shockley, Kaitlyn Depoister...... Production Editor Lavon, TX; Stephanie Sparks, Birmingham, AL; Lindsey Jonathan Higdon...... Associate Editor Sparrow, Caldwell, ID; Katie Stamps, Knoxville, TN; Keitha Vincent ...... Production and Design Manager Laura Stinnett, Temple, TX; Brenda Stobbe, Manchester, Charles Long...... 3D Designer MO; Cindy Stocker, Orland Park, IL; Ben Swann, Atlanta, Betsy Nunn Parham...... Field Test Coordinator GA; Benjamin Swann, Atlanta, GA; Brianna Swann, Atlanta, GA; Isabel Swann, Atlanta, GA; Jasmine Swann, Cokesbury Administrative Team Atlanta, GA; Jason Swann, Atlanta, GA; John Swann, Brian K. Milford...... President and Publisher Atlanta, GA; Megan Teegarden, Brentwood, TN; Susanne Marjorie M. Pon...... Associate Publisher and Editor, Warren, Birmingham, AL; Emmalie Whitney, Anniston, Church School Publications AL; Brooke Wong, Westerville, OH. Scott Spradley...... Director and Editor, VBS Heather Wegenka...... Business Manager Thank you to our test churches! Tony Stogsdill...... Marketing Manager Asbury UMC, Birmingham, AL; Connell Memorial UMC, Goodlettsville, TN; Heritage Presbyterian Church, Consulting and Production Team Mason, OH; Tucker First UMC, Tucker, GA. Brock Starnes...... Executive Creative Advisor Andy Wilson...... Songwriter and Producer Micah Kandros...... Design Consultant JIB Interactive...... Video Producer Allen Tuten...... Typesetting

Cokesbury VBS 2021 If you have questions or comments about using Two convenient ways to order in the U.S.: call Discovery on Adventure Island this resource, call 800-672-1789, a toll-free service 800-672-1789 or visit CokesburyVBS.com. Quest for God’s Great Light! available Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:00 Science Leader Central Time. Calls at other times are recorded for To place an order in Canada, call 800-265-6397 or response the next working day. email [email protected]. ISBN: 9781791006976 Scripture quotations in this publication are taken Published by Abingdon Press, 2222 Rosa L. Parks from the Common English Bible, © 2011. Used Blvd. Nashville, TN, 37228. This leader book is by permission. All rights reserved. The CEB part of Cokesbury’s Discovery on Adventure translation of Isaiah 60:1 is “Arise! Shine! Your Island: Quest for God’s Great Light, © 2020 light has come; the LORD’S glory has shone by Cokesbury. All rights reserved. Printed in the upon you.” Exclamation point (!) after “you” is for United States of America. emphasis.

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 — 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 SCIENCE LEADER Overview Chart...... 2-3

Engineering Your Science Station...... 4 Science Station Features & Helps...... 5

Session 1: The Creation Story Experiment 1: Take a Look at Invisible Light...... 6–7 Experiment 2: Create-a-Compass...... 8–9

Session 2: Moses and the Burning Bush Experiment 1: Surprising Fire...... 10–11 Experiment 2: Light... Amplified!...... 12–13

Session 3: Faith Through the Roof Experiment 1: Safe Landing...... 14–15 Experiment 2: Floating Person Experiment...... 16–17

Session 4: The “Lost” Parables Experiment 1: Light and Our Sense of Sight...... 18–19 Experiment 2: Balloon Celebration...... 20–21

Session 5: Mary at the Tomb Experiment 1: Adventure Island Volcano...... 22–23 Experiment 2: Capillary Actions and Reactions...... 24–25

Bonus Experiment: Liquid Lanterns...... 26–27

Preschool Science: Light and Fire...... 28 Leaf Rubbing...... 29 Up on the Roof Top...... 30 Bubbling Over with Joy...... 31 Roll Away Stone Races...... 32

Science Leader 1 2 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! Science Leader 3 Engineering Your Science Station

Welcome to Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light VBS! Get your journey as Science Leader off to a great start by following these simple pro tips:

Equip your Science Station for thrills— The experiments in this book are intended to and potential spills! foster a sense of wonder about God and God’s creation in Explorers of all ages. Use this easy checklist to ensure you have everything you need: Use the Introduction and Bible Tie-in for every The Science Station sign from the Activity experiment to best connect each session’s Bible Center Signs and Publicity Pak story, Pathfinder, and the Signal Verse. Discovery on Adventure Island Tablecloths, tarps, and/or sheets to cover floors and For larger groups, divide Explorers into smaller surfaces groups. Have each smaller group perform each Materials for each session’s experiments experiment with adult supervision. Plenty of paper towels and nontoxic cleaners Decorating Poster Pak, Pathfinder Mobiles, Health & Safety Tips! and Wall Coverings, plus more ready-made Take time to read this book in advance all the tools found on the Decorating and Publicity way through to become comfortable with each CD-ROM! activity, and perform at least two practice runs for Discovery on Adventure Island Complete each experiment. Music CD or MP3 tracks to play during transitions and/or as Explorers work on their Unless otherwise noted, these activities are experiments. designed for Explorers in grades 1–6, with alternatives provided for younger Explorers on Attend all Discovery on Adventure Island training pages 28–32. Watch for steps that only adults sessions to learn about the program and how should perform while the Explorers observe. your station fits into the overall message. Do not use glass containers (use sturdy plastic Check out the “VBS for Explorers with Special ones instead), and do not use a microwave to Needs” FREE resource at CokesburyVBS.com heat ingredients. for tips on how to encourage each Explorer to participate at his or her level of ability. Always store materials in a secure, enclosed location to prevent unsupervised access.

Want to See the Experiments in Action? Demonstration videos are provided for you for ALL elementary-level science experiments for Discovery on Adventure Island VBS in the FREE Resources at CokesburyVBS.com! (does not include Preschool Science)

4 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! Science Station Features & Helps

Anyone can be a great Science Leader—all you need are the proper tools and preparation, which we’ve provided here for you! Each session at the Science Station features two experiment options:

Experiment 1 Experiment 2 Usually needs only 5 components or fewer Provides that WOW! factor Perfect for VBS programs with time constraints Perfect for VBS programs with extra time and/or and/or space limitations a desire to dive deep into Science Need to fill more time? Try this: Need to simplify? Try this: Let older Explorers help you perform some Prepare more of your steps in advance to cut preparation steps! back on time! Have a volunteer record your experiment, then Perform your experiment as a demonstration play the action back for your Explorers! for your Explorers while they enjoy a snack! Spend extra time going over the Bible Tie-in Play the demo videos provided for you in the discussion questions! FREE Resources at CokesburyVBS.com!

Scientific Method Engineering Design Process Discovery on Adventure Island science experiments Discovery on Adventure Island science experiments lead Explorers along the steps of the Scientific can also be communicated using the Engineering Method. These steps include: Design Process. These steps include: What is the purpose of this experiment? 1. Observe: What do you notice about the world 1. Ask: around you? What are we trying to learn? Brainstorm possible ways to conduct 2. Ask a Question: What will happen? How do the 2. Imagine: materials work together? the experiment. Which brainstormed idea will you use? 3. Form a Hypothesis: What do you predict will 3. Plan: happen based on what you observe? 4. Create: Prepare the experiment based on your plan. 4. Experiment: Test your hypothesis. Test your plan and evaluate it. 5. Analyze and Apply: What happened? How does 5. Experiment: it apply to our Bible learnings? 6. Improve: How could you have done this experiment differently? How does it apply to our Bible learnings?

Discover Even More Fun! Connect with us online for more VBS Science tips, tools, and ideas!

Science Leader 5 Note: The Session 5 experiment “Capillary Actions and Reactions” calls for advance preparation. Review this experiment for potential inclusion in your Session 1 setup. Take a Look at Invisible Light! Discovery Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Bible Story Mix equal amounts of laundry soap Step 1: Allow the Explorers to The Creation Story and white poster paint in a shallow select different writing instruments Genesis 1:1–2:9 container. Dip the paintbrush in the and different papers. Invite them mixture. Shake the paintbrush one to prepare three different papers. Pathfinder time to remove excess paint. Hold For example, highlighter on white Arise! Shine with Love the paintbrush over the posterboard. construction paper, white crayon Skim your finger across the bristles on black construction paper, and Materials to create a starry pattern on the so forth. Encourage the Explorers posterboard. to choose different combinations Black posterboard of materials from one another. That Laundry soap way, the whole group will see more White poster paint II. Observation Hold up the starry poster you differences between materials. Shallow containers created earlier. Several 3" paint- Step 2: On each paper, ask the brushes ASK: When we talk about the Explorers to create a picture or Crayons (including beginning of the universe, what do design. Some possibilities include white crayons) you think about? writing the words: God said, “Let Markers there be light!” Explorers could also Highlighters SAY SOMETHING LIKE: One of the draw pictures from creation. For Glow-in-the-dark most interesting things that we example, different kinds of animals, markers (if available) hear about in Genesis 1 is how planets, stars, the moon, and so Copy paper God made light! forth. Ask the Explorers to put their Construction paper  names on each paper they create. (variety of colors) ASK: What is light? Hand-held ultraviolet  Step 3: Encourage the Explorers lights SAY SOMETHING LIKE: We usually to make predictions about which think of light as something we materials will glow most brightly. can see. But some light is actually Invite them to arrange their papers invisible. Let’s do an experiment to in order from what they predict will show what I mean. glow the most to what they predict will glow the least. (step 3 not III. Question & Hypothesis pictured) Turn the room lights off. Shine an ultraviolet light on the poster. Step 4: Have the Explorers use the hand-held ultraviolet lights to test ASK: Why do you think these stars their pictures. Were their predictions are shining more brightly now? correct? Invite them to change the order of their papers based on their observations. Finally, invite the whole group to put all of the papers into three groups: glows the most, glows a little, doesn’t glow much at all. 6 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Ultraviolet light is ASK: When God made the universe and our invisible. Some things shine very brightly under world, what did God make? ultraviolet light. Some of the materials (crayons, markers) we used have something in them called Invite the Explorers to share different things made “phosphors.” by God in creation.

Have the Explorers repeat the word: “phosphors.” SAY SOMETHING LIKE: We can’t see God, but we can know a lot about God by looking at the world SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Phosphors soak up light. God made. We can shine God’s Light of Love on When we turned off the lights and used the all creation! ultraviolet lights, we energized that light stored in the materials. That made our papers glow in beautiful ways!

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Science Leader 7 Note: The Session 5 experiment “Capillary Actions and Reactions” calls for advance preparation. Review this experiment for potential inclusion in your Session 1 setup. Create-a-Compass* Adventure Experiment

Bible Story I. Preparation IV. Experiment Gather materials for this experiment Step 1: Distribute the cardboard The Creation Story from the Create-a-Compass Kit. circles for each Explorer, as well as Genesis 1:1–2:9 Make one example compass to markers or crayons. show Explorers. For each Explorer, Pathfinder make sure to have one compass, Direct Explorers to decorate their Arise! Shine with Love one cardboard circle, and one string. cardboard circles. Note that the center will be covered by the Materials II. Observation compass, and that space needs to Create-a-Compass ASK: What are some tools we be reserved for directional markers Kit could use to find our way around N, E, S, and W. (Tip: Draw the ‘N’ Tacky glue Adventure Island? directional marker opposite the Markers or crayons punched hole in the cardboard so Hold up an example of the compass that compass may be used while Explorers will create. hanging around Explorer’s neck.)

ASK: Does anyone know what this Step 2: Put a small amount of tacky is? How does it work? glue in the middle of the cardboard circle and place the plastic compass SAY: Today we are going to create onto the glue. a compass to find our way around Adventure Island. Let’s look at the Step 3: Put the string through the directions our compass shows. punched hole in the cardboard circle and tie it. Make the resulting Show the cardinal directions—North, string long enough for Explorers South, East, and West—to your to comfortably wear around their Explorers. You may also choose necks and so as not to be a choking to show intercardinal directions— hazard. Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest—as well.

III. Question & Hypothesis ASK: How can we use a compass to find our way around Adventure Island?

*Purchased item from Cokesbury

8 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The red side of the arrow But when no strong magnets are nearby, it will on your compass will always point north. Your point North. compass won’t be correct until the red arrow points to the ‘N’ that you have drawn. You may Demonstrate the effects of having a strong magnet need to spin slowly until the red arrow points to nearby using the lodestone included in the Create- the ‘N’ before you can read your compass. a-Compass Kit.

Have the Explorers move so that their red compass SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Everywhere we go, we arrows all point to ‘N’. experience God’s creation. And everywhere we go, we can find ways to shine God’s Light of Ask: What do you see to the North? to the South? Love. What are some ways you can show God’s to the East? to the West? love to people? What are some ways you can show God’s love to other parts of creation? SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The red arrow on your compass always points North because it is If you have time, lead Explorers in activities using aligned with the Earth’s magnetic field. If you their compasses. For example, play a version of have your compass near a strong magnet, “Simon Says” using compass bearings in your however, the red arrow will point to the magnet. commands (e.g. “Simon says move 3 steps west”).

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Science Leader 9 Surprising Fire Discovery Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Make potato candles, one for every Step 1: Relight the birthday candles. group you’ll be teaching. Use an The trick candles will most likely apple corer to bore a hole into a still be burning. If not, relight them. Bible Story potato. Extract the cylinder formed Explorers may already be familiar Moses and the by the corer. Use a toothpick to with trick candles, but are not likely Burning Bush make a small hole at one end of to know why trick candles burn Exodus 3:1-20 the cylinder. Insert an almond sliver differently than regular candles. in the hole. Store potato candles Encourage the Explorers to observe Pathfinder in a sealed plastic bag until the and make predictions throughout the Arise! Shine with Trust experiment. experiment.

Materials II. Observation Step 2: Ask a volunteer to come up to the table. Ask the volunteer A package of birthday Place a few birthday candles and candles trick candles in small lumps of soft to blow out the candles. Have the Explorers make observations. Did A package of trick modeling clay. Light the candles. birthday candles the same thing happen as the first time? Describe what happened. At least one bag of Pull out the potato candle you made russet potatoes and light it. Why would the two types of candles work differently? Allow the Explorers Soft modeling clay to discuss the possibility that the Toothpicks ASK: How do you make a candle candles are made out of different Almonds, cut into go out? (Blow on it.) slivers materials. A multi-purpose lighter ASK: Can you eat candles? (No.) (as used for lighting Step 3: Relight the potato candle. barbecue grills) Blow out the birthday candles. Have the volunteer you chose blow it out. Hand the volunteer the potato An apple corer Attempt to blow out the trick candles candle. Ask the volunteer to make Several glass drinking (they should stay lit on their own). glasses (large enough Blow out the potato candle and take observations about the candle. What to fit over the candles) a bite out of the bottom of it. does it look like close up? What does it feel like? What is the wick Plastic bags made of? Place a whole potato, Safety gloves III. Question & Hypothesis some almonds, and the apple corer Safety glasses Ask: What did you observe? Are all of these candles the same? on the table. Can the Explorers figure out how the candle was made? Teacher Tip Exercise caution lighting SAY SOMETHING LIKE: This Step 4: Relight the birthday candles candles in your building! experiment will help us to learn how candles work. again. This time, ask your volunteer to extinguish the candles by placing Teacher Tip a drinking glass over each candle Be aware of any nut or until they are all extinguished. Even tree nut allergies in your the trick candles will eventually go group when using almond out. slivers.

10 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply ASK: What did we observe in our candle ASK: What was different about our candles? experiment? (They all had different wicks. Trick candles have wicks made from magnesium. The potato had an Allow the Explorers to think through their almond for a wick. Regular wicks are cotton.) observations. SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In today’s Bible story, SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Let’s think about what Moses saw a fire that did not go out. It was like was the same and what was different. a lot of other fires he had seen before, but it was also very different: it did not go out and a voice ASK: What was the same with all of our candles? came from the burning bush. We know we can (They all burned. They all needed oxygen from the trust God even though God’s ways are often air to stay lit. The drinking glass cut off the supply of surprising to us! oxygen.)

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Science Leader 11 Light... Amplified! Adventure Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment For best results, purchase the dry Step 1: Follow these steps to ice less than 12 hours before the demonstrate how flashlights work experiment and place it in the cooler. and how lasers work. Invite the Bible Story Place the other materials on the Explorers to stand in the center of Moses and the table. the room. Ask the Explorers to stand Burning Bush close to each other. Then, have all Exodus 3:1-20 II. Observation the Explorers take one step toward Turn off the lights in the classroom. the walls of the classroom. Have Pathfinder the Explorers continue to take one Arise! Shine with Trust Hold up the flashlight and shine it step until they reach the walls of the toward the ceiling. classroom. ASK: How many steps Materials did it take? (step 1 not pictured) A laser pointer ASK: What is this? (A flashlight) Step 2: Next, have the Explorers A flashlight regroup in the center of the room. Dry ice (from a grocery Hold up the laser pointer. Shine the store) laser toward the ceiling. Have the Explorers stand closely together as they did before. This A cooler time, instead of taking one step A medium-sized bowl ASK: What is this? (A laser) toward the room, instruct them to Heavy winter gloves or oven mitts ASK: What are the differences you form one long line of Explorers from the center of the room to one spot A gallon jug of water notice between the flashlight and on a wall of the classroom. (step 2 Light bulb the laser? not pictured) Safety glasses Allow the Explorers to discuss the Step 3: Have the Explorers sit down. Teacher Tip question for a few minutes. Return to the table with the materials Never point a laser you prepared earlier. Place a piece pointer directly at a SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Let’s do an of dry ice in the bowl, using gloves person’s eyes. Never experiment to learn the difference. or oven mitts to handle the dry ice. touch dry ice unless you Pour some water into the bowl to are wearing gloves or III. Question & Hypothesis make carbon dioxide gas. Divide the oven mitts. SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Both lasers and flashlights shine light. But Explorers into a few groups. Invite lasers shine a very tiny spot of the groups to come to the table, one light. group at a time.

ASK: What do you think makes Step 4: Shine the laser along the a laser work differently than a top of the bowl. The gas will allow flashlight? Explorers to see the path of the laser.

12 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply ASK: What did we observe in our laser ASK: What do you suppose that word “amplify” experiment? means? (The light is narrowly focused.)

Allow the Explorers to think through their Hold the light bulb and shine the laser at the bulb. observations. The focused light from the laser is amplified within the bulb. SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Let’s think about our activity. When we took one step toward the SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In today’s Bible story, walls, we were pretending to be light from a Moses was chosen by God. God’s Light of Trust flashlight. The light spreads out widely. When we was going to be focused through Moses so that formed a long line, that was more like a laser. A the people of God would be free. laser is a device that amplifies light.

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Science Leader 13 Safe Landing Discovery Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Fill a number of water balloons and Step 1: Choose four Explorers to put them in a large bucket in the help with the experiment. Divide Science Station. Place the other them into pairs. Hand each pair a Bible Story materials on the table. Set up two filled water balloon. Give one pair Faith Through the Roof ladders on each side of the table. a ball of yarn or string and a pair of Luke 5:17-26 scissors. (step 1 not pictured) II. Observation Pathfinder Hold a water balloon a few inches Arise! Shine with Faith above the table and drop it softly. Step 2: One pair will drop their water balloon from the top of the ladder Materials SAY SOMETHING LIKE: This water with no string attached. The other Water balloons balloon didn’t break. But what pair, will tie one end of a string to (pre-filled) would happen if I did this... their water balloon. This pair will Large bucket gently lower their balloon to the floor A ball of yarn or string Hold the water balloon as though (or ground) using the string to slow Scissors you were about to throw it. its descent. This pair of Explorers 2 ladders must determine how much yarn or ASK: When do water balloons string is needed to help the water Teacher Tip break? (When they are going fast balloon reach the floor (or ground) Two Explorers will climb and hit a solid surface.) safely. Once they have decided how on ladders. Aim to have much string is needed, instruct them one Island Guide or other SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In this to cut the string and tie one end adult stand on either side experiment, we will take water to their water balloon. (step 2 not of each ladder to ensure balloons to the tops of these pictured) safety. ladders and drop them. Step 3: When both teams are ready, III. Question & Hypothesis have one Explorer from each pair Climb up the ladder with a water climb the ladder. The Explorers on balloon. the ladders should only climb as high as is necessary to drop their ASK: Is there a way I could drop balloons from the top of the ladders. this balloon from here and have it Have Island Guides or other adults not break? on hand to stand near each ladder to ensure safety. The partners in each team should carefully hand the water balloons to the Explorers standing on the ladders. When ready, have each team either drop or lower their balloons to the floor (or ground).

14 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The balloons in our SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In our Bible story today, experiment made the same journey, but one some friends worked together to lower a man landed safely and the other did not. Both had the who was paralyzed down into the house where force of gravity pushing them down toward the Jesus was. They put their faith in two things: ground. they put their faith into the mat and ropes. They believed if they were careful, their friend would ASK: What was different about the balloon with not be hurt. They also put their faith in Jesus to the string? (Another force was working to slow heal their friend. down the effects of gravity on the balloon.)

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Science Leader 15 Floating Person Experiment Adventure Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Test the experiment ahead of time. Step 1: Invite the Explorers to Place the materials on the table. come close to the table so they can observe the experiment. For larger Bible Story II. Observation groups, divide them into several Faith Through the Roof Hold up a paper plate. smaller groups. Have each smaller Luke 5:17-26 group perform the experiment SAY SOMETHING LIKE: I’m going with adult supervision. Choose Pathfinder to draw a stick figure on this paper an Explorer to assist with the Arise! Shine with Faith plate. experiment. (step 1 not pictured)

Materials Draw a stick figure on the paper Step 2: Have the Explorer you chose draw a stick figure on the dish using Several new dry erase plate using the permanent marker. markers a new dry erase marker. A new dry erase marker will work better than an A ceramic or glass dish ASK: Can I erase this stick figure? older marker. Be prepared to perform Small pitcher (No.) the next step very quickly after the Water stick figure has been drawn. Permanent marker Show the Explorers the glass or (adult use only) ceramic dish and a dry erase marker. Step 3: Slowly, pour water into the Paper plates dish (but not directly over the stick Paper towels ASK: What if I drew a stick figure on this dish using a dry erase figure). Have the Explorers watch what happens. The ink from the dry Teacher Tip marker? Would I be able to erase erase marker should lift from the Use extra precaution with it then? bottom of the dish. Hopefully, the markers and ceramic or stick figure will remain intact and glass around Explorers. III. Question & Hypothesis will float to the top. It’s possible that Have an adult leader ASK: What do you think would the stick figure won’t remain intact. handle the dish while happen if I poured water in the If so, try the experiment again using Explorers draw stick dish? a paper towel to dry the dish before figures with the dry erase making another attempt. markers. Allow the Explorers to think about the question and make predictions. Step 4: Try the experiment again with a variation. Ask another Explorer to help. Dry the dish completely using a paper towel. Have the Explorer write the word “faith” on the dish. Once again, pour water into the dish and watch the letters lift from the bottom of the dish and float to the top. (step 4 not pictured)

16 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Dry erase markers are ASK: Was this experiment surprising? Why? made differently than permanent markers. They are made so that the ink won’t stick to some SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In our Bible story today, surfaces permanently. The ink has another some friends worked together to lower a man interesting property though. It’s insoluble. That who was paralyzed down into the house where means it can’t be dissolved by water! That’s what Jesus was. What happened next was surprising. makes the ink float on top of the water. First, Jesus forgave the man’s sins. Then, Jesus healed the man so he was able to walk again! We shine God’s Light of Faith when we share God’s surprising acts with others.

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Science Leader 17 Light and Our Sense of Sight Discovery Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Place the materials in the classroom. Step 1: During the Observation, For an extra fun version of the Explorers may have noticed an activity, prepare to have Island after-image when they closed their Bible Story Guides outside the classroom eyes. If so, they saw a shape like the The “Lost” Parables window. bright cell phone screen. They may Luke 15 have also noticed that the shape was II. Observation black instead of bright white. This Pathfinder Turn off the lights in the classroom. experiment will help your Explorers Arise! Shine with Joy understand how their eyes work. Ask Island Guides and Station Materials Leaders to loan their cellphones Step 2: Hand each group a magnifying lens. Give them a Cellphones to groups of Explorers. For this challenge. By holding their lens up Credit card-sized Observation, each cellphone needs magnifying lenses to have a blank white screen. For to the window, the groups can try to project an image from outside the Dark classroom with at example, a blank document would least one window work well. window onto a white sheet of paper. The Explorers will need to work A ream of copy paper SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In our Bible together to get everything lined up story today, people are looking for just right. Instruct the Explorers to something that is lost. We use our move the lens closer or further away eyes to look for things. from the window. Move the paper closer or further away from the lens. ASK: But how do our eyes actually With patience, the Explorers will work? get a focused image projected onto the paper. What else do they notice Instruct the Explorers to stare at the about the image? (It’s upside down.) blank white screens for 30 seconds. Try not to blink. Then, have them Step 3: To add something a bit more close their eyes and put their hands fun and interesting to the experiment, over their eyes. Wait a few seconds. have Island Guides ready outside the window to provide a subject for III. Question & Hypothesis the Explorers to see through their ASK: What did it look like after you lenses. Ask the Island Guides to do closed your eyes? How do eyes different motions and actions during take in light and help you see the the activity. For example, have world around you? Island Guides jump up and down, do jumping jacks, dance in a silly way, or run in place. As Explorers see the projections on the paper, they will notice that the actions of the Island Guides are upside down. (step 3 not pictured)

18 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Our eyes work a lot like ASK: What other job does your brain have to do the lenses you used in the experiment. The front with the images from your eyes? (Turn yourself of your eye also has a lens that lets in light. The partially upside down as a hint. The brain has to flip lens makes an image that is sent to the back of the image right side up.) your eye. Then your brain has a job to do. When you stared at the screen and closed your eyes, SAY SOMETHING LIKE: We had to have patience you might have seen an “after-image.” That was to get our lenses to work just right. In today’s your brain still processing the information sent Bible story, we see that looking for lost things from your eyes. involves patience. When what was lost is found, we celebrate with joy!

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Science Leader 19 Balloon Celebration Adventure Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Place the helium balloon in the box. Step 1: Explain that in order to Tape the ribbon or string to the perform the experiment, you’ll need bottom of the box. Close the lid and to inflate another balloon. Since Bible Story tape the box shut. Use the funnel you are so worn out from inflating The “Lost” Parables to put 1/3 cup of baking soda in an the first one, you will use science Luke 15 empty balloon. to inflate a new balloon. (step 1 not pictured) Pathfinder Place the other materials on the Arise! Shine with Joy table. Step 2: Select an Explorer to help you with the experiment. Instruct the Materials II. Observation Explorer to use the funnel to add one cup of vinegar to the 1-liter bottle. Latex balloons ASK: What do you think is in this Hand the balloon filled with baking Baking soda box? soda to the Explorer. Next, have the Vinegar Explorer carefully stretch the mouth 1-liter disposable water Open the box allowing the helium of the balloon open and secure it bottle (empty) balloon to rise out of the box. to the opening of the bottle. Make A helium-filled balloon sure that the baking soda in the (with a string or ribbon) SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In our balloon does not slide down into the A large clear container Bible story today, there are bottle at this step in the experiment. filled with water celebrations going on. When I Take a moment to explain what the A ping pong ball think of a celebration, I think about materials in the bottle and balloon A stone decorating with balloons. But we are. A cardboard box large need more! enough for the helium Step 3: Now, have the Explorer hold balloon Inflate a balloon dramatically. Appear the balloon up so that the baking Tape to be out of breath. Act surprised soda is able to slide down into the A funnel that your inflated balloon doesn’t bottle. As the baking soda and Measuring cups float into the air as the helium vinegar combine, carbon dioxide Safety gloves balloon does. gas will begin to form in the bottle Safety glasses III. Question & Hypothesis and eventually the gas will inflate the balloon. Teacher Tip ASK: What makes these two Be aware of any latex balloons behave differently? Step 4: Choose a new Explorer. Have allergies in your group the group make a prediction about when using latex SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Let’s do an changing the amounts of vinegar balloons. experiment to learn the difference between these balloons. and baking soda. For example, use more or less vinegar. You could also try more or less baking soda. Follow the steps as outlined above and note any changes to the inflation of the balloon due to the change in your recipe. (step 4 not pictured)

20 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The balloons we just blew Show the large, clear container with water. Place the up have a gas inside them. It is the same gas ping pong ball in the container. Place the stone in that comes out of your mouth when you breathe the container. out. SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The ping pong ball and Have the Explorers breathe in deeply and exhale. the stone are kind of like these balloons. They have different densities and that makes them SAY SOMETHING LIKE: This gas is called carbon sink or float. dioxide. The carbon dioxide in the balloon is heavier than the air outside the balloon, so this SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In our Bible story, balloon falls to the ground. This balloon (point something was lost. When the lost coin, or the to the helium balloon) has a different gas called lost son, or the lost sheep was found, everyone’s helium. Because helium is lighter than the air heart lifted… kind of like this balloon. When we outside the balloon, this balloon floats! see God’s work shine in the world, we celebrate with joy!

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Science Leader 21 Adventure Island Volcano Discovery Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment Wrap brown craft paper around Step 1: Carefully pick up the volcano the large beaker or bottle to form and tip it over to deposit the water something like a volcano. Secure the and dry ice into a disposable Bible Story paper with tape. Place the “volcano” cup. Show the Explorers the can Mary at the Tomb on the cookie sheet and use drop of soda. Talk about what might John 20:1-18 cloths to protect the table and floors happen if you were to shake the of the classroom. Place the other can. Pressure builds up inside the Pathfinder materials on the table. can. When the can is opened, the Arise! Shine with Hope pressure is released. That’s similar to II. Observation what happens with volcanoes. Our Materials SAY SOMETHING LIKE: No trip volcano will work a little differently, but will have a similar reaction. (step A large beaker or bottle to Adventure Island would be 1 not pictured) Brown craft paper complete without a tour of the Tape Adventure Island Volcano! Step 2: Select an Explorer to help Dry ice (available from grocery stores) Use oven mitts or gloves to you with the experiment. Instruct the Explorer to squirt a generous amount Water place a chunk of dry ice in the of dish soap into the volcano (about Cans of soda or other model volcano. Add some room- carbonated beverages temperature water to the volcano ¼ of a cup). Have the Explorer add a few drops of red or orange food 3% hydrogen peroxide using the funnel. or 6% hydrogen coloring to the volcano. Add ½ cup peroxide (not gel) ASK: What do you notice about our of hydrogen peroxide (either 3% or 6% solution) to the volcano. Dish soap volcano? (Explorers will be excited Red or orange food to share about the gas wafting out coloring of the volcano due to the dry ice and Step 3: Now, have the Explorer help you pour a packet of yeast into a Packets of dry yeast water.) disposable cup. Add up to 1 cup of Funnel warm water to the yeast. Make sure Small disposable cups III. Question & Hypothesis to not get the water too hot. Have Spoon SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Sometimes the Explorer stir the yeast and water Access to warm water heat will escape from volcanoes in together using a spoon. Make sure Cookie sheet the form of smoke. the yeast is really well mixed. Drop cloths Gloves or oven mitts ASK: What’s another way we see Step 4: Pour the yeast into the Safety glasses heat escape from a volcano? (An eruption) volcano to create a chemical reaction. The yeast, hydrogen Teacher Tip peroxide, and soap will create a Don’t use gel peroxide. foamy substance like lava. If you Also, the 6% hydrogen use the 3% solution, your volcano peroxide will create a will have a slow reaction. The 6% bigger reaction than the solution will create a more explosive 3% solution. Be prepared reaction. for a larger mess using the 6% solution.

22 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply ASK: What were you expecting the eruption Have the Explorers take a moment to think about to be like? Was the eruption kind of what you their experience of the experiment. expected, or was it different than what you expected? SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Our Bible story today tells us about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. That word “resurrection” is a big word.

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Science Leader 23 Capillary Actions and Reactions Adventure Experiment I. Preparation IV. Experiment On the first day of VBS, put water Step 1: Choose an Explorer to assist and food coloring (any color you you with the experiment. Invite the choose) in several beakers or vases. Explorer to put on a pair of nitrile Bible Story Place white carnations in the beaker gloves. Fill several disposable cups Mary at the Tomb or vases. Place the flowers in the with water. Have the Explorer put John 20:1-18 Science Station. The carnations will 2-3 drops of food coloring in several begin to change in color over the disposable cups. Pathfinder course of the week. Arise! Shine with Hope Step 2: Next, work with the Explorer II. Observation to take sheets of paper towels Materials SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Adventure and twist them into long shapes. Do the same thing with sheets of Several white Island has many beautiful flowers. carnations You may have noticed our flowers copy paper. In the experiment, you will be putting both the paper 7 oz. clear disposable here in the Science Station. cups towels and the copy paper into the colored water. Be prepared to ask Disposable nitrile ASK: What do you notice about our gloves flowers? What colors do you see? the Explorers to predict what might happen. (step 2 not pictured) Food coloring Water Have Explorers look at how the Step 3: For the next step, have all A few rolls of paper flowers have changed in color. You towels may want to have a white carnation the Explorers come to the table to get the best view. Have the Explorer Sheets of copy paper on hand for comparison. help you place both paper towels A spoon SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The and copy paper into separate cups of water. As you watch, you’ll notice Teacher Tip color of the water has risen into a difference. The paper towel should Food coloring can stain the flowers! I wonder how that absorb the colored water much more clothing. Ask Explorers happened. quickly than the copy paper. who assist to be careful not to get food coloring III. Question & Hypothesis Step 4: Remove the copy paper on themselves or others. SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Somehow the color from the water rose up and set it aside. Move two different into the bloom of these flowers. colors of water close to each other (blue and yellow, for example). Twist ASK: What kind of science is a new sheet of paper towel. Place involved to change the color of the ends of the paper towel into the these flowers? two different colors you chose. Have the Explorers observe what happens (as the water is absorbed, the colors will mix in the middle).

24 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! V. Analyze & Apply ASK: What happened with the copy paper? With Hold one of the flowers in your hand. the paper towel? SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Our Bible story today Have the Explorers take a moment to think about tell us about the resurrection of Jesus from their experience of the experiment. the dead. The word resurrection means that something rises again. A resurrection from the SAY SOMETHING LIKE: What we observed is dead is very surprising and not what you would called capillary action. It works because water expect! Through Jesus’ resurrection, God shined molecules like to stick together. The molecules the Light of Hope. We can shine God’s Light of at the surface of water are really, really stuck Hope with others, too. together. The only thing left is to introduce a solid that water likes to stick to. Paper towels or the very thin tubes inside the stems of flowers are great examples.

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Science Leader 25 Liquid Lanterns Bonus Experiment I. Preparation Step 3: Gently pour the mixtures Gather materials. With younger down the side of the narrow cup children, make this a teacher or bottle. It is important to pour demonstration experiment for safety them in order: dark corn syrup, reasons. For older students, caution dishwashing liquid, water, vegetable Signal Verse them on working with rubbing oil, then rubbing alcohol. For a more Arise! Shine! Your light alcohol. controlled pour, use a spoon to pour, has come. The Lord’s or plastic oral medicine syringes to glory has shone upon II. Observation squirt the mixtures into the cup or you. SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Here on bottle. Adventure Island, we’ve seen Isaiah 60:1 some unusual things on our way V. Analyze & Apply to discovering lanterns with light ASK: What has happened with Materials that never goes out. Today we’re our liquid lanterns? Did all of the Food coloring going to discover something colors mix together? Measuring cup else unusual: the light from five Dark corn syrup lanterns—in liquid form! Have the Explorers take a moment to Dishwashing liquid talk about their experience with the Water III. Question & Hypothesis experiment. Vegetable oil SAY SOMETHING LIKE: We’re going Rubbing Alcohol to put these five lights together in ASK: Why did the liquids stay 5 clear containers a single container. separate, even though we put Narrow plastic cup them in the same container? or bottle (at least 20 ASK: When we put these liquids ounces, or five times together, do you think the SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The liquids the amount of each lights will stay separated or mix stayed separate because they liquid you are using) together? have different densities. Plastic oral medicine syringes (optional) IV. Experiment You can think of density as the Spoon (optional) difference in the weight of two Step 1: Have an adult pour 1 cup things that take up the same of each liquid—dark corn syrup, space. Some of these liquids Teacher Tip dishwashing liquid, water, vegetable are more dense than others. The Caution! Food coloring oil, and rubbing alcohol—into five reason that the less dense liquids can stain clothing. Ask clear containers (plastic cups, hot sit on top of the more dense Explorers who assist to drink cups, or plastic jars will work). liquids is that less dense things be careful not to get food (step 1 not pictured) coloring on themselves or will float on top of more dense items. It’s why certain objects float others. Step 2: Add food coloring to the in water and others don’t. And as containers with water and rubbing you can see, the colors of each of alcohol. Green and red are two that these liquid lanterns continue to complement the colors of the other shine brightly! liquids well. (step 2 not pictured)

26 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! Step 3

Science Leader 27 Light and Fire Preschool Science Pre paration Love when we see someone do Give each Explorer several small something to care for the earth or blocks. Have them build something care for each other. We also feel with the blocks. It can be anything. the Light of Love when we get a Bible Story warm feeling inside our bodies. The Creation Story Place a light-colored piece of paper Like you feel when someone gives Genesis 1:1–2:9 in front of each Explorer’s block you a really nice hug. Let’s thank structure. God for light. Pathfinder Arise! Shine with Love Experiment PRAY: Thank you, God, for the light Shine a flashlight at the front of the of the sun and the moon and the stars. Thank you for the light of Materials structure so that the shadow falls on your love. Amen. Light-colored paper the paper. Small blocks Flashlights Encourage the Explorers to use Crayons or markers crayons or markers to trace the shadows.

If you have enough flashlights for each Explorer, let them shine the flashlight themselves. Have them shine the lights close to the blocks and then step back to shine the light farther away from the blocks.

ASK: How do the shadows change when you move the light?

The Explorers can also shine the light, notice the shadow and then move something from the structure and shine the light again to see the shadow change.

SAY: In our Bible story today, God made light to shine on the earth. We can see the light of the sun and the moon with our eyes. We can feel the light of the sun warming our skin. The light of the sun is important to help things grow. We also talked about the Light of Love. That’s a different kind of light. We see the Light of

28 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! Leaf Rubbing Preschool Science Pre paration SAY: Let’s add red paint to be the Provide real or artificial leaves so firelight burning in the bush. that each Explorer has two or three leaves. Or take the Explorers outside Spoon a small amount of red to pick leaves that have fallen on the washable paint onto each Explorer’s Bible Story ground. rubbing. Moses and the Burning Bush Use a roll of tape to attach two or Encourage them to use the straws Exodus 3:1-20 three leaves on the table for each to blow the red paint around the leaf Explorer. Lightly tape a piece of plain rubbings. Pathfinder paper over the leaf. Arise! Shine with Trust Set the rubbings aside to dry. Remove the paper wrapping from Materials green crayons. SAY: When Moses saw the burning Real or artificial leaves bush, he knew God was with him. Tape Have the Explorers wear paint Moses trusted God to always be Plain paper smocks to protect their clothing. with him. Green crayons (with papers removed) Experiment Red washable paint Show each Explorer how to rub Drinking straws over the leaf with the side of a green Spoon crayon. The rubbing of the leaf will Paint smocks show through on the paper.

Point out the lines that make the stems and veins of the leaves.

SAY: God created many different types of leaves. Look how intricately they are made. In today’s Bible story, God uses the leaves of a bush to get Moses’ attention. But the bush was not an ordinary bush. The bush looked like it was on fire, but the fire was not burning the leaves.

Give each Explorer a drinking straw. Show them how to blow through the straw, rather than suck. Have the Explorers practice blowing through the straw so that they feel the air on one hand.

Science Leader 29 Up on the Rooftop Preschool Science Pre paration Have the groups work together to If possible, provide an empty tissue place the craft sticks over the hole in box for every four Explorers. If not, the tissue box. use one box to demonstrate to the Bible Story class. SAY: Next the sticks were covered Faith Through the Roof with branches and leaves. Luke 5:17-26 Divide the Explorers into groups of four. Give each group an empty Give the groups real or artificial Pathfinder tissue box and several craft sticks. leaves. Have the groups place the Arise! Shine with Faith leaves on top of the sticks. Experiment SAY: Finally the sticks and leaves Materials SAY: The four friends had faith were covered with mud. The mud Empty tissue box that Jesus could heal their friend would bake in the sun and become Craft sticks who could not walk. They were hard. Leaves so sure that they wanted to take Soft modeling clay their friend to Jesus no matter what. When they carried their Give the groups soft modeling clay. friend to the house were Jesus Let the groups cover the leaves with was teaching, it was so crowded the clay. they couldn’t get into the house. But that did not stop them. They Let each group tear a hole through carried their friend up to the roof. their roofs. Then they tore a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down to Jesus.

ASK: Do you think you could tear a hole in the roof of your home?

SAY: It would be hard to make a hole in the roofs of house today with just your hands. But in Bible times, roofs were made differently than they are today. Let’s make a model of a Bible times roof.

SAY: The roofs of Bible times houses were made in layers. The first layer was made of sticks. The sticks were placed across the top of the house.

30 Discovery on Adventure Island: Quest for God’s Great Light! Bubbling Over with Joy Preschool Science Pre paration Cut the bottom off a water bottle for each Explorer. Place a sock over the cut end. Secure the sock to the bottle with duct tape. Bible Story The “Lost” Parables Experiment Luke 15 ASK: What do you think joy feels like? Pathfinder Arise! Shine with Joy SAY: Some people say when they feel joy, they feel all bubbly inside. Materials Let’s experiment with bubbles. Dishwashing soap Socks Pour dishwashing soap into a Clean plastic water bowl or shallow pan. Mix in a small bottles amount of water. Duct tape Bowl or shallow pan Give each Explorer the water bottle Water and sock. Show them how to dip the Knife (adult use only) sock into the soap solution and then Food coloring blow through the neck of the bottle. (optional) Bubbles will snake out of the sock.

If desired, add food coloring to the soap solution to make colored bubbles.

Science Leader 31 Roll Away Stone Races Preschool Science Pre paration Have the Explorers roll the rocks Fold up the edges of the cardboard down the ramps on an incline. to create a ramp with bent sides. This will keep the rocks from rolling SAY: Wow! Those rocks moved Bible Story off. You may also use box lids from more quickly. The angle of the Mary at the Tomb shoe boxes or large gift boxes. ramp makes a difference because John 20:1-18 of gravity. Gravity is a force that Experiment causes things to fall toward the Pathfinder SAY: When Jesus’ body was earth. Arise! Shine with Hope placed inside the tomb, a large stone was rolled in front of the Place two or three cardboard ramps at an angle side-by-side. Let the Materials opening to close off the tomb. Explorers place rocks at the top of Rocks of various The stone was very large and very each ramp. Then have them start shapes (no larger than heavy. It would have taken several rolling their rocks at the same time. a potato) people to roll the stone. Let’s try Notice which rock finishes first. Pieces of cardboard or rolling some smaller stones. box lids Place the cardboard ramps flat on ASK: Why do you think this rock the table or the floor. finished first? Was it heavier? Lighter? Bigger? Smaller? (Larger ASK: What do you think will rocks roll faster than smaller rocks.) happen when we try to roll our rocks down these ramps? Put the ramps at different heights and try the race again. Have the Explorers try to roll the rocks down the ramps. ASK: Which rock finished first, the rock on the higher ramp or the SAY: The rocks were not easy for lower ramp? (The higher ramp) us to roll down the ramps. SAY: The higher ramp has caused ASK: Can you think of anything the rock to have more gravity, so that will help us? the rock moves faster.

Listen to the Explorers’ answers. Enjoy trying more races with heavier Suggest putting the ramps on an and smaller rocks, higher and lower angle. ramps.

Place books or other objects under SAY: When Mary came to visit the one end of the cardboard ramps. tomb, the stone was rolled away and the tomb was opened. ASK: What do you think will happen when we roll our rocks ASK: Who do you think rolled the down these ramps? stone away?

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