Star Chasers Lesson Pak from Sunday School Software Ministries, 1-800-678-1948

Intro:
What a neat program! (One of my personal favorites.) The Star Chasers CD is the creation of Hugh McLeod and Starborn Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The CD has many special features beyond Chase a Star, the main portion of the program. We highly recommend touring each part before using it with your students.

Our educator-evaluators agreed with us that this program can be used at any time of the year. The story of the Messiah's advent is just too important to be kept to December. Your kids will also get a kick out of "Christmas in July" or whatever month it is. Because churches will use Star Chasers in a variety of settings and ways, this Lesson Pak contains a number of brainstorms for you to pick and choose from. Use our brainstorms "as is" or to spur your own creative lesson ideas. We also have five complete Star Chasers lesson plans volunteered from a church at our website: www.sundaysoftware.com/starcha.htm You'll find them in our Teaching Tips section.

Technical Notes: Please remember to install the version of the Quicktime program that comes with Star Chasers, otherwise your videos may not run properly. Star Chaser's installation program doesn't like a small group of mouse drivers used with "wheel mice." Visit our Techie Troubleshooting page at www.sundaysoftware.com/techie2.htm if you encounter an installation or runtime problem.

General Teaching Tips

1) Be aware of the amount of time it may take your students to get through the Chase a Star section. Depending on age, numbers, and other variables, they may need up to 30 minutes or more. The best ages for this CD are Grades 2 through 5.

2) We recommend that you have no more than 4 students using Star Chasers at the same time because of the size of screen and videos. If you want more than four students to view it at the same time, consider borrowing a computer projector or purchasing a Y-cable to hookup two monitors to one computer.

3) Encourage cooperative behavior, giving every student an opportunity to control the program.

4) Think about how you might use the program over several weeks. (the additional lesson plans from the Teaching Tips section of www.sundaysoftware.com include a five week lesson plan).

5) Help your kids resist the temptation to wander aimlessly through the program (lesson planning and worksheets will help with this). Knowing that they will be held accountable for the program's information will help.

6) Remember to think of software as a component in an overall lesson plan and come up with other lesson elements to round out the Star Chasers subject material.

7) Because of its beautiful watercolors, Star Chasers looks great projected on the wall.

8) Don't be surprised how quiet your kids may get using this program. It tends to enthrall them.

Outline of Star Chasers' Components

Chase a Star — the main story about three young people who enter the search for the Messiah.

Pick your own fun — Walk the Gallery to see individual screens from the story, View a favorite video/special effects segment from the program, Simeon's song music & lyrics

Here's the Scoop -- Instructions for navigating all parts of the program.

Take a Journey -- Interactive Israel Map, Interactive Temple Map, Interactive Flight to Egypt Map

Score/Quiz — Check your score on the quiz that pops up throughout the program. When it blinks, you have questions ready to answer.

Back-Next-Main Menu — Jump or skip to different segments.

Navigation Tips......

In the Chase a Star portion, click on the star which appears to advance to a new screen. Or, use the NEXT button.

Each screen in the Chase a Star section has click points for fun and information.

Clicking the mouse repeatedly can cause the program (any program) to freeze.

Watch the changes in the onscreen mouse pointer to find screen click points.

Star Chaser Lesson ideas

The following lesson materials are here to use "as is" or to spur your own creativity:

• Christmas in July
• A Group Lesson Plan
• An Independent Study Worksheet
• Worship Then & Now
• Simeon's Song Bible Study

"Christmas in July" ...or any other time of the year!

• Break out the Xmas lights, garland, & cookies.
• Put up a Xmas tree in the hallway or classroom to promote the lesson.
• Sing a Xmas carol in class or in Worship.
• Announce to the congregation what you're studying and have the pastor include Xmas remarks in the liturgy and sing a carol.

A Group Lesson Plan:

1) Split into two teams and see which can come up with the longest list of "Things in the Bible Christmas Story." Give them extra bonus points if they can tell you which Gospel their item appears in.

2) Talk about the importance of Christmas to Christians, what it meant to those looking for the Messiah and how important it is that each of us continues to look for signs of God's presence among us today.

3) Begin Chase a Star, taking the quiz along the way. Plan on this taking about 30 minutes. Make sure everyone can see and gets the opportunity to help navigate the program. Pass out 3 x 5 cards to each student so they can write down their own answer to each quiz question and you can see who got it right. Use the worksheet below if desired.

4) If you have time, replay Simeon's Song and discuss the lyrics. If you have time, let them replay their favorite video and tell why they like it.

An Independent Study or Group Study Worksheet
(to be filled out as the student moves through the program)

Complete this worksheet as you use the Star Chasers program:

1. What is a Magi? What is a Messiah?

2. Who is Simeon and what is his role in the Christmas story?

3. Why is Herod afraid of the Messiah?

4. What do you think is one of the most important things that Lauren and her brothers learn searching for the Christ Child?

6. What is one thing that you learned about the Christmas story that you didn't know before?

7. In what ways do you actively search for Christ in your life?

Additional questions (to be added by the teacher)

8.

9.

FUN MULTIPLE COPIES/COMPUTERS OPTION: If you have more than one computer running Star Chasers, you could name the computers after one of the three kids in the story (Matt, Lauren, Toad). The name of the computer your students are at tells them which of the three kids to follow when the three kids split up (about 1/3 way through program). Have each computer report on their unique section of the journey. At the end of the lesson plan, let your students explore the other two kids' pathways.

Worship Then & Now

A lesson using the Temple Map section in the Star Chasers CD.

Instructions:

At Star Chaser's main menu, click on Take a Journey and the Temple Map, and listen to Lauren's narration about the Temple. (Lauren is the young girl speaking and in the Star Chasers story). Continue by clicking on the various Temple locations (courts and gates) and listening to Lauren's comments. As you listen, record important facts and answer the question about Worship in the time of Jesus. After you are finished, share your findings with your class or teachers and continue as instructed.

Worship Then...

How did the people Worship God in the Temple at the time of Jesus?

What are some of the DOs and DO NOTs of Temple Worship?

How are men and women treated differently?

Who seems to be closest to God in Temple Worship?

Where was the most holy place?

Where was God supposed to be located in the Temple?

What were the holy objects and how were they used to Worship God?

Other questions (suggested by your teacher):

Worship Now in My Church
After you have finished Worship Then, draw a detailed map of your place of Worship Now (sanctuary), answer the following questions, and be prepared to discuss them with your teacher, class and pastor.

In your church... (write your responses on separate sheet)

-HOW is your Worship space the same and different than the Temple's?

-WHO do you think is in charge of Worship? Who makes the rules?

-WHAT, if any, are the rules governing who can lead or assist in Worship?

-WHAT age may children or youth assist or lead Worship?

-WHAT are the most holy places and objects in your Sanctuary?

-WHERE do you think God is most likely located in your sanctuary?

-WHAT, if any, are the rules about who can worship be baptized and take communion, and join your church?

-WHAT, if any, are the places in your church or sanctuary that certain people may not be allowed to enter?
Which of your church's rituals the SAME and DIFFERENT than Worship in the time of Jesus?

Finally — Write two or three sentences about what Worship might be like in the year 2050.

Teacher Notes for Worship Then & Now

The worksheet on the previous page can be used "as is" or to help you design your own. Consider the Temple Journey segment as a springboard to discussion about Worship, — how our practices have changed since the time of Jesus, why, and how your church makes its Worship decisions. You will certainly come up with many more questions to bring into the discussion.

Please note that another CD, Pathways Through Jerusalem, has two excellent tours of Solomon and Herod's Temple. In particular, King David's tour of Solomon's Temple takes you inside the Temple.

Optional Addition to Worship Then & Now: Invite your pastor or a Worship leader to join your class and discuss aspects of Temple Worship described in the Temple Map. Have your pastor or leader compare and contrast the Temple practices and layout to your church's concept, layout and practice of Worship today. Follow-up with a discussion of how the children might change Worship in their church to be more kid-friendly AND how they could get more involved in Worship leadership.

Questions your pastor or worship leader should be ready to answer:

How does the pastor get ready for Worship each week?

What is the difference between clergy and lay people in your denomination? (Explained in "kid terms.")

Do we have an "altar"? If not, why not?

Why do most churches have pews, candles, etc?

Who decides on the content of sermons, the hymns, prayers, etc?

If you the pastor could change one thing about our current Worship Service, what would it be?

What might a Worship Service look like 50 and 100 years from now?

Other questions:

Have your pastor or Worship leader be ready to share several scripture stories and verses about Worship and give a brief history of how Worship practices have changed over the centuries.

Other related activities:
Have class draw or assemble replica of Temple with information tags.
Have class create a "Worship in the Future" display for Fellowship Hall.

Simeon's Song Bible Study

This short study can be used separately or in conjunction with the Chase a Star main story in the Star Chasers CD.

Simeon is the prophet in the Temple when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus in to be circumcised according to the Law of Moses on the eighth day after his birth. This might be a good time to discuss the practice of circumcision, how it ceased to be a religious requirement under the teaching of Paul and Peter, and how Christians today bear the sign of their belief in Christ.

To begin this study, provide some background on the practice of circumcision (as suggested above) and the role of the prophet in the Jewish faith. Have the class look up the passage in Luke 2: 20-40 (Simeon and Anna). Assign parts and have the kids read it in dramatic fashion.

Some Suggested Questions to Begin Discussion....
— How would you feel if your life long dream suddenly came true?
— How did Simeon and Anna feel when they met Jesus?
— How would you feel if Jesus appeared right now in front of you?
What would you do? What would you say?
— When a person is led by the Holy Spirit, what does that mean?
How might it feel? How would you know it was God?
— What does it feel like to hold a baby in your arms?
— How do you hold Christ in your arms (heart)? How will you feel?
— What is Luke trying to tell us by including this story in his Gospel?

Play Simeon's Song in the Pick Your Fun section of Star Chasers.
— How can we be prophets to others about Christ?
— How does Jesus bring us peace?

Consider an art project to fill out the lesson...
Idea: Design and apply a temporary Christian "tatoo" as a sign of our belonging to Christ. Kids like rub-on tatoos! (Colored pens will work too).

Star Chasers Lesson Pak ©Revised 1998 and 2000 Sunday School Software Ministries
Permission granted to copy or use only in the church which originally received these materials.

Star Chasers has been a favorite Christmas CD since the beginning of our ministry. The company which made it is no longer in business. But we have stayed in touch with the developers and continue to provide this beautiful program to the Sunday School Software audience. <>< Neil MacQueen

 The following 5 Lesson Plans come from fellow Star Chasers fan Pastor Don Floyde.

Don "thought it might be refreshing for some to know that not all ideas come from a big church in a big city." Hillcrest UCC is in Montrose, Colorado. He invites folks to contact him directly about his computer lab experience and use of Star Chasers.

Bible Computer Lab Lesson Plan #1
“STAR CHASERS”
Teacher/Facilitator: Don Floyde

1. Circle time.
a. Welcome the youth.
b. Begin with a short prayer. Ex: Thank you Lord for being here with us. Thank you for the chance to learn more about you. Bless us in our learning and sharing time. Amen.
c. Get acquainted. Use get acquainted technique (a tennis ball or beanbag will help break the ice and self-consciousness). Start by introducing yourself and reflect something you remember about “The Christmas Story”.
d. Title flip chart: What we know about the Christmas story.

2. Guidelines
a. “We will be using the computer for learning, not just for play. We will learn together as we go along. My role is to “Be a guide by your side.” Your job is to discover what “Star Chasers” is teaching you. You are not only to learn, but question, think and wonder. Those of you who have some computer skills are to help those who don’t.”

3. Bible reading: Isaiah 11:1-3 (Located between Psalms and the New Testament) Ask for volunteers to read. Question: What do you think these verses are teaching?

4. Computer time.
a. Move chairs so everyone can see the monitor.
b. Establish how the mouse will be shared.
c. Establish how the leader will lead.
d. Begin Star Chaser and follow to the point where the children begin their separate journeys. Include map study, quiz and Magi from “Get a clue.”

5. Follow-up time.
a. Move chairs back to circle.
b. Points to ponder:
a. The Wise Men might have been from Persia or Babylon. Where is Persia and Babylon today?
b. The Wise Men were not of the Hebrew people (Jews). Why do you think a story about the Gentile is in our Bible?
c. What do you think the story is trying to teach us thus far?

6. Questions.
7. Closure.
a. Return to flip chart: Is there anything we can add or change on our list?
b. Homework: Mathew 2:1-12. Point to ponder: Mathew 2:2, How could the
Wise Men see the Star in the East, be from the East, but travel West?

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Bible Computer Lab Lesson Plan #2
“STAR CHASERS”
Teacher/Facilitator: Don Floyde

1. Circle time.
a. Welcome the youth.
b. Begin with a short prayer. Ex: Thank you Lord for being here with us. Thank you for the chance to learn more about you. Bless us in our learning and sharing time. Amen.
c. Get acquainted with any new students. Start by introducing yourself and make new student(s) feel welcomed. Give a brief review to bring new comer(s) up to speed.

2. If necessary, re-establish guidelines
a. “We will be using the computer for learning, not just for play. We will learn together as we go along. My role is to “Be a guide by your side.” Your job is to discover what “Star Chasers” is teaching you. You are not only to learn, but question, think and wonder. Those of you who have some computer skills are to help those who don’t.”

3. Talk about homework assignment, Mathew 2: 1-12.
a. Mathew 2: 2, How could the Wise Men see the Star in the East, be from the East, but travel West?
b. Why did the Wise Men go to Jerusalem?
c. Why did King Herod meet with the Wise Men secretly?
d. Where did the Wise Men find Jesus?
e. How old do you think Jesus was when the Wise Men arrived?

4. Bible reading: Isaiah 60: 3-6 (Located between Psalms and the New Testament). Ask for volunteers to read. Question: What do you think these verses are teaching?

5. Computer time.
a. Move chairs so everyone can see the monitor.
b. Establish how the mouse will be shared.
c. Establish how the leader will lead.
d. Begin Star Chasers, start with “Get a Clue”, and read about Herod, Star and Jesus. Then go to the point where the children start their separate journeys and follow Matt. Include map study and quizzes.

6. Follow-up time.
a. Move chairs back to circle.
b. Points to ponder:
a. Matt ran into the Roman Army. What was the mission of the Roman Army?
b. Why did King Herod send out his Army to kill all males under the age of two?
c. What do you think the story is trying to teach us thus far?

7. Questions.

8. Closure.
a. Return to flip chart: Is there anything we can add or change on our list?
b. Homework: Luke 2: 1-14. Point to ponder: Luke 2: 8, Why did the Angel
appear choose to before the shepherds?

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Bible Computer Lab Lesson Plan #3
“STAR CHASERS”
Teacher/Facilitator: Don Floyde

1. Circle time.
a. Welcome the youth.
b. Begin with a short prayer. Ex: Thank you Lord for being here with us. Thank you for the chance to learn more about you. Bless us in our learning and sharing time. Amen.
c. Get acquainted with any new students. Start by introducing yourself and make new student(s) feel welcomed. Give a brief review to bring new comer(s) up to speed.

2. If necessary, re-establish guidelines
a. “We will be using the computer for learning, not just for play. We will learn together as we go along. My role is to “Be a guide by your side.” Your job is to discover what “Star Chasers” is teaching you. You are not only to learn, but question, think and wonder. Those of you who have some computer skills are to help those who don’t.”

3. Talk about homework assignment, Luke 2: 1-14.
a. Why did the Angels choose to appear before the shepherds?
b. Luke 2: 11, “for to you is born this day in the City of David”, isn’t the City of David Jerusalem?
c. How did the shepherds know where to go in Bethlehem when there is no mention of the Star?

4. Bible reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14 (Located between Psalms and the New Testament). Ask for volunteers to read. Question: What do you think these verses are teaching?

5. Computer time.
a. Move chairs so everyone can see the monitor.
b. Establish how the mouse will be shared.
c. Establish how the leader will lead.
d. Begin Star Chasers, start with “Get a Clue”, and read about Angels, Manger and Shepherds. Then go to the point where the children start their separate journeys and follow Toad. Include map study and quizzes.

6. Follow-up time.
a. Move chairs back to circle.
b. Points to ponder:
a. Was it Gabriel who appeared before the shepherds?
b. Will Matt and Toad catch up with the Wise Men?
c. What do you think the story is trying to teach us thus far?

7. Questions.

8. Closure.
a. Return to flip chart: Is there anything we can add or change on our list?
b. Homework: Luke 2: 22-38. Point to ponder: Why did Jesus have to go to
the Temple for Purification if he was the Son of God?

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Bible Computer Lab Lesson Plan #4
“STAR CHASERS”
Teacher/Facilitator: Don Floyde

1. Circle time.
a. Welcome the youth.
b. Begin with a short prayer. Ex: Thank you Lord for being here with us. Thank you for the chance to learn more about you. Bless us in our learning and sharing time. Amen.
c. Get acquainted with any new students. Start by introducing yourself and make new student(s) feel welcomed. Give a brief review to bring new comer(s) up to speed.

2. If necessary, re-establish guidelines
a. “We will be using the computer for learning, not just for play. We will learn together as we go along. My role is to “Be a guide by your side.” Your job is to discover what “Star Chasers” is teaching you. You are not only to learn, but question, think and wonder. Those of you who have some computer skills are to help those who don’t.”

3. Talk about homework assignment, Luke 2: 22-38.
a. Why did Jesus have to go to the Temple for Purification if he was the Son of God?
b. Why were either turtledoves or young pigeons sacrificed?
c. Who was Simeon?
d. Who was Anna?

4. Bible reading: Isaiah 42: 1-4 (Located between Psalms and the New Testament). Ask for volunteers to read. Question: What do you think these verses are teaching?

5. Computer time.
a. Move chairs so everyone can see the monitor.
b. Establish how the mouse will be shared.
c. Establish how the leader will lead.
d. Begin Star Chasers, start with “Take a Journey”, then “Temple Map”. Then go to the point where the children start their separate journeys and follow Lauren. Include map study and quizzes.

6. Follow-up time.
a. Move chairs back to circle.
b. Points to ponder:
a. What do you think the story is trying to teach?

7. Questions.

8. Closure.
a. Return to flip chart: Is there anything we can add or change on our list?

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Bible Computer Lab Lesson Plan #5
“STAR CHASERS”
Teacher/Facilitator: Don Floyde

1. Circle time.
a. Welcome the youth.
b. Begin with a short prayer. Ex: Thank you Lord for being here with us. Thank you for the chance to learn more about you. Bless us in our learning and sharing time. Amen.
c. Get acquainted with any new students. Start by introducing yourself and make new student(s) feel welcomed. Give a brief review to bring new comer(s) up to speed.

2. If necessary, re-establish guidelines
a. “We will be using the computer for learning, not just for play. We will learn together as we go along. My role is to “Be a guide by your side.” Your job is to discover what “Star Chasers” is teaching you. You are not only to learn, but question, think and wonder. Those of you who have some computer skills are to help those who don’t.”

3. Computer time.
a. Discuss that the class will run through the entire Star Chasers program.
b. Move chairs so everyone can see the monitor.
c. Establish how the mouse will be shared.
d. Establish how the leader will lead.
e. Begin Star Chasers, go from the start to the finish following Lauren, Matt and Toad, in any order. Be sure to follow instructions at the top of the screen so that none of the Star Chasers get ahead of the others.

4. Follow-up time.
a. Move chairs back to circle.
b. Points to ponder:
a. What do you think the story is trying to teach?

5. Questions.

6. Closure.
a. Return to flip chart: Is there anything we can add or change on our list? Did you learn anything about the Christmas story that you didn’t already know?
b. Hand out questionnaire and assist with explanations as necessary.

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Our thanks to Don Floyde of the Hillcrest Church for providing these lessons.