1 Turning Away Anger A Science Demonstration “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

2 People seem to have a natural desire to want to answer harsh words with more of the same. However, such heated arguments only increase the problem instead of solving it. The proverb in our lesson gives a better approach--soften the situation by controlling your own emotions.

3 A gentle answer might include an apology or just a willingness to listen.

4 For our demonstration today you will need: A large piece of cloth (sheet, towel, tablecloth) An raw egg in its shell Three volunteers

5 Have you ever played ball with a soft or hard ball? Often you use a mitt when you catch the ball because using your bare hands can hurt and can be dangerous.

6 Mike Smail

7 underclasscameraman

8 SD Dirk

9 Catching a fast-thrown ball is something like what we will do with our egg. Let’s try it!

10 Explanation: In catching a fast-moving ball, you move your hands with the ball as you receive it to spread out the impact time and to lessen the sting of the catch. The longer you take to stop the ball, the smaller the force that hits you. Likewise, the cloth slows down the moving egg in such a way that it protects it from breaking.

11 Car bumpers are designed to provide a give in a collision. They help lengthen the impact time and help absorb some of the blow. A car’s steering wheel and dashboard are padded to soften blows to the head, and air bags help absorb the force of a blow and lengthen the impact time. Offering gentle, soft words at a time when verbal blows are being thrown will diffuse the situation, lengthen the impact time, and provide a give to the crisis.