(10–15 minutes, moderate set-up)
Students will wear blindfolds and put together a marshmallow model using verbal commands.
(10–15 minutes, moderate set-up)
Connect toothpicks with marshmallows to create a simple pattern, such as a cube. Provide enough marshmallows and colored toothpicks for students to copy your model. Also bring napkins, paper towels, and three blindfolds.
Keep your model hidden as you divide students into three groups. Assign a builder within each group. Instruct the remaining group members to be instructors. Explain that the builder will be blindfolded but will create a model with toothpicks and marshmallows like the one you show the instructors. Direct builders to sit at a table or on the floor with marshmallows and toothpicks in front of them. After blindfolding the builders, reveal the model to the instructors. Tell them to examine it carefully and give verbal instructions to the builders so they can create an exact replica following the toothpick color scheme, number and placement of marshmallows, and shape that you chose to build. Inform pairs that the first group to finish building a correct project is the winner.
Once a pair is successful (or after five minutes), stop the game. Encourage the builders to share why building the project was difficult. Ask: Why did you have to put faith in the instructor? (Answer: The instructors could see the end result.) Explain that today students will look at how one man followed God’s directions even though he couldn’t see the outcome.