the spy lab: introduction

Investigation:

-Key Bible Story -On the Case -In the Field

Debriefing:

-The Gadget Lab -Creative Thinking Craft-Tricks of the Trade Games-Secret Message Bible Memory-Express Yourself -Daring Disguise Snack-Code Deciphering Cards -Family Lab Report

Evidence: -Numbah 93 -Crack the Code -Unlocking the Clues

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 Spy Lab.

By looking at the evidence, investigating and then debriefing, the Spy Lab becomes a place where kids are captivated by Jesus’ names and come to understand not only each name’s meaning but also how it applies to their own lives. By unlocking the clues surrounding the name, kids will have a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, what He came to do and the relationship He offers them.

Each lesson contains:

Evidence: Uncovering the name and information about it. Investigation: Examining what God says about the name.

Debriefing: Imagining ways to apply the findings of 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. The countdown can be used before the lesson or any time during the lesson as a review.

Evidence

Numbah 93 Numbah 93 is a spy who introduces the name of Jesus for the lesson. This is done in monologue form with interaction from the audience.

Costuming: Trench coat, sunglasses, hat, briefcase, large manila envelope marked “Top Secret”

crack the code Each name of Jesus will have a simple symbol that will help kids remember the meaning of the name. Crack the Code is a power point game in which the symbol for the name will be introduced. The first slide is a Top Secret envelope. One by one pieces of the envelope will vanish. Kids try to guess what is behind the envelope first. This can be done as a group, in teams or by choosing a few individuals.

In addition, consider displaying an actual object for the symbol. (Example: symbol is earth so the object would be a globe.) Display these adding one each week to help kids remember not only the name but also the meaning of the name.

unlocking the cluesThe 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.

Investigation

Key Bible Story The Key Bible Story is either a narrative or passage of Scripture that helps the kids understand the meaning of the name of Jesus. A TOP SECRET envelope (instructions in lesson 1) will be opened each week containing clues to introduce the Bible passage.

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.

On the case On the Case provides an object lesson based on the spy theme to help kids 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.

in the field In the Field is an active group experiment that points kids toward applying the meaning of the name of Jesus to their own lives.

debriefingThe gadget lab Kids will experiment with a spy gadget or experiment. This lab time will reinforce the main point of the lesson.

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

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

Secret Message Bible MemoryKids will learn a secret code method to help them memorize the Bible verse associated with the name of Jesus learned.

Express YourselfKids participate in discussion with a small group.

Daring Disguise SnackKids create a snack in the form of the symbol that represents the name of Jesus.

Code Deciphering Cards Code 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.

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 imple-ment some activities at home with ease.

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

Special CharactersEnlist an adult or teen to play the part of Numbah 93.

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 area with a spy theme.

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.”

-For the Spy area, make signs that say “Top Secret” and “Confidential.”-Display gadgets that look like objects a spy might use: briefcase, binoculars, telescope, shoes with a fake bottom, books with centers cut out, top secret envelopes, magnifying glasses.

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 charac-ters.

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 even thinking about beginning.

powerpointPowerPoint is a tool to enhance your teaching. When you see a small “PP” logo 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.

Memory Verses Lesson One: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Lesson Two: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15

Lesson Three: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers- it is to him you shall listen- Deuteronomy 18:15

Lesson Four: Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Jeremiah 23:5

Lesson Symbol Bible Verse

Bible Story

On the Case

In the Field

The Gadget Lab

1. Word Earth John 1:1 Jesus and Creation

Secret Writing

Investigat-ing Trash

Quick Think-ing Creations

2. Firstborn Numeral One

Colossians 1:15

Jesus’ Preemi-nence

Book Safe What’s Out of Place

Fingerprints

3. Prophet Ear Deuterono-my 18:15

Moses foretells Jesus

Using Our Senses

Making a Cover

Rubber Band Secret

Messages4. Branch Branch Jeremiah

23:5Jesus and

David’s Line

HiddenPictures

Finding the Bugs

Magnifying Device

Lesson Symbol Bible Verse

Bible Story

On the Case

In the Field

The Gadget Lab

1. Word Earth John 1:1 Jesus and Creation

Secret Writing

Investigat-ing Trash

Quick Think-ing Creations

2. Firstborn Numeral One

Colossians 1:15

Jesus’ Preemi-nence

Book Safe What’s Out of Place

Fingerprints

3. Prophet Ear Deuterono-my 18:15

Moses foretells Jesus

Using Our Senses

Making a Cover

Rubber Band Secret

Messages4. Branch Branch Jeremiah

23:5Jesus and

David’s Line

HiddenPictures

Finding the Bugs

Magnifying Device

spy lab overview