The Program Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle. — Thich Nhat Hanh A miracle: An unexpected event or revelation that brings an outcome one has hoped...

A Look at Awe On Vimeo, watch a presentation by Jason Silva based on research including the book, The Biological Advantage of Being Awestruck, by Nicholas Humphrey. More Research on Unexplained Phenomena Abundant Internet articles hypothesize about as-yet-unexplained natural phenomena....

Sources used for this story include: “Rai… Heaven: Where Rocks Go Wandering,” by Tim Cahill (National Geographic). The world still holds many wonders that science—so far— cannot explain. As you learn about the three mysteries described, see if you can hypothesize any scientific...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity A clear plastic box, filled halfway with water A hand mirror that will fit inside the box Flashlight Thick black construction paper or poster board, scissors, and tape A white card Preparation for Activity Plan to do this activity in a room you can...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity A coin Adhesive putty A cup of water A non-transparent bowl Preparation for Activity Set the coin in the middle of the bowl, at the bottom, using a small amount of the adhesive putty to keep it in place....

Materials for Activity Clipboards, paper, and pencils Preparation for Activity Plan for the group to visit a local science museum. Arrange for transportation, fees (ask about a group rate), and parent volunteers so that all participants will be able to explore the museum in a small group with an...

Meet with your co-leader(s) after this session to look back over the entire program. Recall moments that demonstrated participants' engagement. Identify your own experiences of learning and growing....

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home Optional: Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Choose a closing song; if you like, invite a musical volunteer to help lead. Or, choose a closing reading. If needed, write song lyrics or closing words on newsprint, and...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Session 1, Leader Resource 1, It’s a Miracle Newsprint with the definition(s) of miracles generated by the group in this program Preparation for Activity Print Session 1, Leader Resource 1, It’s a Miracle. Post the newsprint sheets describing and...

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint with definition(s) of a miracle generated by the group (Session 1) Small slips of paper and pencils Two baskets or other containers Timepiece (seconds) Preparation for Activity Post newsprint for scoring....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, “Things We Still Can’t Explain” Leader Resource 1, Ball Lightning Images Leader Resource 2, Earthquake Lights Image Leader Resource 3, Sliding Rocks Images Optional: Computer and a projector or large monitor, ideally with...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Newsprint with definition(s) of a miracle generated by the group (Session 1) Preparation for Activity Post the newsprint with the group’s definition(s) of a miracle. Prepare to share, in a phrase or sentence, a “miracle...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and LED/battery-operated candle Optional: Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Post the newsprint with the chalice-lighting words below. Description of Activity Gather participants in a circle around the chalice. Welcome new...

Take five minutes to center yourself. Think about miracles, in particular the miracle of mysteries that science has not yet explained. Find a comfortable position, and take three deep breaths. Feel the details of your body: where it is touching the chair, how your feet feel on the floor, the...