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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 Building Zone, specifically the Crazy Contraptions department.

Crazy Contraptions is a place where kids investigate unique, fun devices while being intro-duced to and captivated by Jesus’ names. They will come to understand not only each name’s meaning but also how it applies to their own lives. By learning about the details surrounding the name, kids will have a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, what He came to do and the relationship He offers them.

constructing: putting together what God says about the name-Bible Story -Crazy Contraption Tales -Building the Contraption

testing: applying the name-The Invention Lab -Craft-Games-Bible Memory-Express Yourself -Snack-Building the Name Cards -Building Family Time

Each Lesson contains:

Planning: Gathering the information about the name-Minute to Build it Game-Dr. Greenberg, the Inventor-Discovering the Design-Memorizing the Plan

crazy contraptionsintroduction

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The CountdownAll the names of Jesus covered in Imagination Factory are in the power point countdown. Each lesson has a countdown that will end with the name of Jesus covered during the lesson.

Planningminute to build it gameEach lesson begins with a fun competition between two or three kids. This game will include some type of building activity involving every day type items and must be completed in one minute or less. Please note that the supplies listed in this section is for one kid.

dr. Greenberg, the inventorDr. Greenberg, the inventor, loves to tinker with odd contraptions. His day is spent designing devices that will make his life easier and the world a better place to live. He is extremely intelligent, however, rather forgetful.

Costume: lab coat, beard and bowtie (if male), large glasses

Props: Whiteboard and markers or chalkboard and chalk, desk, computer

discovering the DesignEach name of Jesus will have a simple symbol that will help kids remember the meaning of the name. Discovering the Design is a game in which the symbol for the name will be introduced. Divide the kids into two teams. Choose one team member from each team. They must design something using materi-als given to represent the symbol. They race against each other to get their team to guess first.

Display the designs with the name card each week to help kids remember not only the name but also the meaning of the name.

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memorizing the designThe main Scripture verse where the name is found will be introduced along with actions to help re-member 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.

Constructing

Bible StoryThe Bible Story is a passage of Scripture from Acts that helps the kids understand the meaning of the name of Jesus. This is the main “event” of the lesson.

PrayerThe 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.

Crazy contraption talesCrazy Contraption Tales is an object lesson based on pictures of crazy contraptions. Each week has a theme to the contraptions shown. This object lesson becomes a between knowledge of the name and application of the name. If powerpoint is not available, print pictures of the contraptions to show the kids.

building the contraptionDuring this segment, kids will work together in smaller groups to make a contraption. This object lesson points kids toward applying the meaning of the name of Jesus to their own lives.

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debriefingThese activities work well for small groups. Pick and choose activities.

the invention labKids will do individual experiments inventing a new contraption. The main point of the lesson will be reviewed.

craftA simple craft will be created in which the main point of the lesson will be emphasized.

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

bible memoryKids will memorize the Bible verse associated with the name of Jesus using different methods.

express yourselfKids participate in discussion with a small group.

snackKids create a snack in the form of the symbol that represents the name of Jesus.

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building the name cardsCode deciphering cards are similar to trading cards (baseball, etc). 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.

building the family 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 imple-ment some activities at home with ease.

Planning Ahead

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

Special CharactersEnlist an adult or teen to play the part Dr. Greenberg.

Decorating IdeasA 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, a design studio can be used for this unit. Include props such as chalkboards or white boards with designs drawn on them, posters of inventions, computer, various inventions scattered around the room such as mousetraps, toasters, and hard to identify items.

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Some simple ideas for a general factory:

-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 “The Lab.”

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 gives more authenticity to the characters.

TeachingTeach from your heart and experience! Never read the lesson to the class. Always study ahead. Para-phrase 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 even thinking about 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 advance the screen as necessary. Another option is to purchase a PowerPoint remote control.

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Memory VersesLesson One: Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Acts 2:36

Lesson Two: And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:42

Lesson Three: You will not let your Holy One see corruption. Acts 13:35

Lesson Four: This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ. Acts 17:3

Lesson Symbol Bible Verse

Bible Story Bible Point

1. Lord Scepter Acts 2:36 PentecostActs 2

God made Jesus, the Lord, ruler over all

things.

2. Judge Gavel Acts 10:42 Gentiles hear the Good News, Acts

10:34-43; The Final Judgment

Matthew 25: 31-33

Jesus, the Judge, will one day separate those

who know Him from those who do not.

3. Holy One Apple with “X”

Acts 13:35 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia

Acts 13:13-43

Jesus, the Holy One, never sinned.

4. Christ Three Nails

Acts 17:3 Paul and Silas in Thessalonica Acts 17:1-9; The Church

at Antioch

Acts 11:19-26

Jesus became known by the name Christ after His resurrection and His followers became known

as Christians.

crazy contraptions overview

Imagination Factory was published by River’s Edge Curriculum Copyright© 2013

www.RiversEC.com

Permission is granted to the purchaser of this unit to make whatever copies are necessary for your personal use or non-commercial ministry. All other copying is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Credits

Scripture passages marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.