Kate [Loop] Hannon
Have you ever noticed how many numbers there are in science books? In astronomy, numbers help us describe the distance to different stars, the size of starts, the brightness of stars, the orbits of planets—the list could go on and on. On the opposite spectrum, numbers help us describe the microscopic: the size of protons, atoms, etc. When we look at these numbers, we discover that the magnitude and intricacy of God’s creation is simply staggering.
The mass of the sun is 1,988,500,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg, while the mass of a proton is 0.0000000000000000000000000016726219 kg. To put that in perspective, a 100-lb person has a mass of about 45 kg.
Now, we typically use scientific notation to help us represent unwieldy numbers. In scientific notation, the mass of the sun is written 1.9885 x 1030 kg, while the mass of a proton is written 1.6726219 x 10–27 kg. While those numbers are a lot easier to write, they represent the same masses—masses that are simply mind-boggling when we sit and think about them.
Using numbers (including scientific notation) to describe the size of different aspects of God’s creation is an example of how math helps us explore God’s creation. More than that, though, it’s a humbling reminder of God’s greatness. He both created and sustains everything, from the vastness of outer space to the intricate detail of the microscopic. It’s also a reminder of God’s love, as the Bible tells us that same all-powerful God came to earth and took the penalty our sin deserved.
“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Psalm 8:1–4 (KJV)
Learn more about the wonders of God’s design in Math with Katherine’s Materials below:
Get your copy of Revealing Arithmetic in the Creation Superstore!
For years, Christian math books have looked basically like secular textbooks, with the addition of a Bible verse here or there. Here, at last, is a book to help you transform your math class and show your child God’s handiwork in math!
Learn math that makes sense with the Principles of Mathematics Year 1 Set!
Math is a real-life tool that points us to God and helps us explore His creation, yet it often comes across as dry facts and meaningless rules. Here at last is a curriculum that has a biblical worldview integrated throughout the text and problems, not just added as an afterthought!
See more of her books and curriculum in the Creation Superstore HERE!
