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Session 9: Faith & Science 🔬✝️

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 9 of 17

Students explore the harmony between faith and science during Catholic Schools Week, discovering that both seek truth.

Session 9: Faith & Science

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand that faith and science complement each other

  • Learn about Fr. Georges Lemaître and the Big Bang

  • Explore how Catholic scientists made major discoveries

  • Express the relationship between faith and reason

Session 9: Faith & Science

Materials Needed

  • 📸 Pictures of Catholic scientists

  • 📊 Timeline materials

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 📋 Research guides

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Fr. Georges Lemaître — Catholic priest who proposed the Big Bang Theory! Faith led him to explore God's creation.

Scripture

"The heavens declare the glory of God." — Psalm 19:1

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you created the universe with wisdom beyond our understanding. Thank you for scientists who explore your creation. Help us see that faith and science both lead to you. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (6 minutes)

  1. Catholic Schools Week:
  2. Celebrating Catholic education
  3. Faith AND learning together
  4. The Big Question:
  5. "Are faith and science enemies?"
  6. NO! They're partners seeking truth!
  7. Fr. Georges Lemaître:
  8. Catholic priest AND physicist
  9. Proposed the Big Bang Theory
  10. "The universe is expanding from a beginning!"
  11. Einstein initially disagreed—then changed his mind!
  12. Truth Leads to God:
  13. Science asks "How?"
  14. Faith asks "Why?"
  15. Both lead to truth!

Main Activity: Faith & Science Discovery (26 minutes)

Part 1: Fr. Lemaître's Story (8 minutes)

  • Read/watch about Fr. Lemaître:
  • Belgian priest (1894-1966)
  • Studied math and physics
  • Also studied theology
  • First to propose universe had beginning
  • Called it "primeval atom" or "cosmic egg"

  • Einstein called his physics "beautiful"

  • Discussion:

  • Why would a priest study the universe?
  • How does the Big Bang connect to "In the beginning..."?

Part 2: Catholic Scientists Gallery (8 minutes)

  • Explore other Catholic scientists:
  • Gregor Mendel — Monk who discovered genetics
  • Louis Pasteur — Vaccines, germ theory
  • Maria Agnesi — Mathematician
  • Galileo — Yes, remained Catholic his whole life!

  • Br. Guy Consolmagno — Vatican astronomer TODAY!

  • Create gallery card for one scientist

Part 3: Create "Faith + Science" Poster (8 minutes)

  • Design poster or infographic showing:
  • Faith and science as partners
  • Quote from Catholic scientist
  • Image or diagram
  • Your own reflection on how they connect

Part 4: Share & Discuss (2 minutes)

  • Quick share of posters

  • "What surprised you?"

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Write about Fr. Lemaître or another Catholic scientist
  2. Draw the Big Bang (universe expanding)
  3. Write: "Faith and science work together because..."
  4. Write: "I want to explore..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. New Understanding — "How has your thinking changed?"
  2. Catholic Schools Week — "Why is Catholic education special?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God, thank you for truth found in faith AND science. Help us never stop learning about your amazing creation. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Understood faith-science harmony

  • Learned about Catholic scientists

  • Created poster/presentation

  • Articulated connection

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Focus on one scientist's story

  • Partner work

  • Template provided

For Advanced Students

  • Research multiple scientists

  • Create presentation for younger students

  • Explore current Vatican science work

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Research Fr. Lemaître together! Watch videos about the Big Bang. Discuss: How do faith and science work together in your family? Visit a science museum and find Catholic connections!

Teacher Notes

  • See Resources/Catholic_Scientists_Heritage.md

  • Great for Catholic Schools Week

  • Address misconceptions about faith vs. science

  • Vatican Observatory website has great resources

Previous: Session 8 — Digital Stories
Next: Session 10 — Geology Rocks