We also made all the layers of the earth in a playdoh diagram (pictured at the beginning of the post) AND made these really yummy cupcakes to simulate a core dig. You can check out the ideas here: http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2014/05/earth-science-experiments-for-kids-1.html?m=1. We did make our cupcakes a little different. We put a scoop of blackberry filling at the bottom of the cupcake (to represent the gooey liquid mantel), then did a chocolate cupcake (for the crust layer) and topped with blue icing, green fondant (for the landforms) and fish sprinkles in the waters. The children loved simulating a geologist dig with their straws into their cupcakes! And it never hurts to use food to reinforce facts, people. This I have learned LOL.
With all of this new knowledge of soil, mountains, and our Earth, I asked the Lord how all of this was going to conclude with Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. He led me to a biblical archaeology site where the stone altar of Joshua is being examined. He encouraged me to read through the information and reenact an archaeological dig on Mount Ebal! One clue that led scholars to believe the current Joshua altar was in fact the one of the Bible was because it was placed directly upon bedrock (use that Lego diagram you built!). You can have fun with discussing the ashes and the kosher bones found at the site, and even the scarab artifacts that date back to the pharoah of the Exodus, Cartouche of Tuthmose III (1479-1425BC). You can visit all of the information on Joshua's altar at http://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-altar-of-joshua.htm.
The bottom line is that Mount Ebal is a picture of us having the chance if we choose wrong of turning around by placing our offerings on that altar of Joshua (Yehoshua/Yeshua) and starting over again. The Lord is a loving God and makes a way for us if we will only accept it. I pray the deep themes of this portion resound in your hearts this week like the blast of a shofar. As Elul draws near, may we rest in His goodness and open arms. Have a blessed week everyone!