Introduction
Kids love hands-on experiences, and science object lessons are a fantastic way to bring the Bible to life in an unforgettable way. Today, I want to share a simple but powerful science demonstration that illustrates what it means to trust God—even when we can’t see what’s happening. This lesson uses a common household item, but its message about faith and trust will stick with kids long after they leave your classroom.

The Experiment: Walking on Water (Sort Of!)
Supplies Needed:

• A large bowl

• Cornstarch

• Water

• Food coloring (optional)

• A stirring spoon

• A tarp or tray for easy cleanup

Preparation:
Before class, mix 1 part water with 2 parts cornstarch in the bowl. Stir slowly until the mixture becomes a thick, gooey substance known as oobleck. Add food coloring for extra fun. The mixture should feel solid when you tap it quickly and liquid when you touch it gently.

The Lesson Plan
1. Introduction and Setup
-Begin by asking: “Have you ever felt like God was asking you to do something that seemed impossible?”

-Read the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22–33). Talk about how Peter’s trust in Jesus allowed him to do something miraculous, even when it didn’t make sense.

2. Demonstration
​-Place the bowl of oobleck where kids can see it. Explain: “This mixture represents our faith. It seems unstable, but it’s stronger than you think.”

-Gently place your hand into the oobleck, allowing it to sink slowly, demonstrating doubt or hesitation. Then, slap it hard with your hand, showing how the solid surface supports quick, firm movements—like stepping out in faith.

3. Participation
-Let kids take turns trying it themselves. Encourage them to “walk in faith” as they slap or quickly press the surface of the mixture. They’ll laugh and be amazed at how the oobleck works, but keep drawing them back to the lesson: Faith requires action, even when it feels risky or strange.

Biblical Application
• Ask the kids: “What happened when Peter started to doubt?” (He began to sink.)

• Explain: “When we trust in God, even in tough situations, He helps us do things we could never do on our own. But when we take our eyes off Him and start to doubt, we can feel like we’re sinking. The good news is, God is always there to help us if we call out to Him!”

Wrap-Up
• Reinforce the Point: Ask the group to think about areas in their lives where they need to trust God. Example: Starting a new school year, making new friends, or facing a big challenge.

• Key Verse to Memorize: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

• Close in prayer, asking God to help the kids trust Him more deeply in their daily lives.

Bonus Challenge for Kids
Encourage them to share the object lesson with their family at home. Provide a small bag of cornstarch and instructions for recreating the experiment, along with a card featuring Matthew 14:22–33 or Proverbs 3:5.

Conclusion
Science object lessons are more than fun experiments—they’re a way to help kids connect big truths about God to their everyday lives. This simple oobleck demonstration not only teaches about faith, but also gives kids a hands-on way to experience the importance of trusting God in every situation.

Try it out, and watch as your students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to step out in faith—even when it feels like walking on water.

Jared Lilly serves as the NextGen Pastor at First Assembly in Gastonia, NC, bringing over a decade of experience in full-time kids ministry. Passionate about nurturing the spiritual growth of children and youth, Jared also captivates audiences with The Amazing Chemistry Show, blending science and faith to inspire the next generation. He and his wife, Hannah, enjoy life with their three wonderful children—McKenna, Abby, and Judah. To connect with Jared, reach out at jaredleelilly@gmail.com.