Place the objects you have tied with string into the bag or container so that the objects are hidden but an equal amount of each string hangs over the side of the bag. Ask a child to choose a string and pull an item out of the bag. Then replace the object and string, let another child take a turn, and so on. Show the class all the hidden objects, and explain the value of the desirable one.

Explain that it is difficult to make a correct choice when we don’t know what we are choosing. Heavenly Father wants us to know good from evil so we can choose what is right. Tell the class that this lesson will explain how we were given the knowledge of good and evil and the ability to choose for ourselves.

Teach the account of the fall of Adam and Eve from the scriptures listed in the “Preparation” section, using the pictures where appropriate. (For suggested ways to teach the scripture account, see “Teaching from the Scriptures,” p. vii.) The following three points are the major ideas to be taught in this lesson:

1. The fall of Adam and Eve was foreseen by Heavenly Father and “was a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us” (Gospel Principles, p. 33). We accepted this condition in the spirit world when we supported Heavenly Father’s plan.

2. “Because of the Fall, we are blessed with physical bodies, the right to choose between good and evil, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. None of these privileges would have been ours had Adam and Eve remained in the garden” (Gospel Principles, p. 33).

3. After Adam and Eve “fell” from the presence of God and became mortal, we needed a Savior so we could live again and return to our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior before the world was created. (See lesson 2.)

You might want to keep the following points in mind as you discuss the scriptures with the class:

1. Before he was placed on the earth, Adam was known as Michael, the archangel (see D&C 107:54).

2. Michael led the battle against Lucifer and his angels before they were cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:7–9).

3. “Adam and Eve were among [Heavenly] Father’s noblest children” (Gospel Principles, p. 31).

Study the following questions and the scripture references as you prepare your lesson. Use the questions you feel will best help the children understand the scriptures and apply the principles in their lives. Reading and discussing the scriptures with the children in class will help them gain personal insights.

• What was the first commandment given to Adam and Eve after their creation? (Moses 2:28.) Explain that Adam and Eve could not obey this commandment before the Fall. Because their bodies were not yet mortal, they could not have children.

• What beautiful place did Heavenly Father prepare for Adam and Eve? (Moses 3:8–9.) What do you think it was like in the Garden?

• What trees are mentioned in the description of the Garden of Eden? (Moses 3:9.) Which fruit did God tell Adam and Eve not to eat? (Moses 3:16–17.) Even though God gave Adam and Eve clear instructions about the tree of knowledge of good and evil, what did he allow them? (See enrichment activity 5.) What did God tell Adam would happen if he ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil? Why does Heavenly Father allow us to choose for ourselves? What choices will bring us closer to our Father in Heaven?

• What happened when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (They could tell good from evil, and they became mortal, or subject to physical death. They could now have children and keep the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. They were separated from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, which is referred to as spiritual death [see Gospel Principles, p. 33].) (See enrichment activity 3.)

• How does the Fall fit into the plan of salvation, or what Alma called “the great plan of happiness?” (Alma 42:8.) Explain that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. As his spirit children, we chose to become mortal and prove ourselves so that we could be more like him. Repeat with the children 2 Nephi 2:25: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” How does Adam and Eve’s eating the forbidden fruit affect each of us? (We were born, we experience opposition, we know good from evil, we can choose to become like God, we will die.) How does this make you feel about Adam and Eve? (See enrichment activity 3.)

• How are we saved from physical death? (Through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we will all live again after we die.) Who will be resurrected? (1 Corinthians 15:22.)

• How can Jesus save us from spiritual death or separation from Heavenly Father? (Jesus suffered for our sins through his great Atonement. We will be forgiven and return to our Father in Heaven if we choose to repent. [See 3 Nephi 27:19.])

• What did God do to make sure Adam and Eve did not eat the fruit of the tree of life? (Alma 42:2–5.) Why was it so important for Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the tree of life at that time? (Alma 42:5.)

• What were some differences between the life Adam and Eve led in the Garden of Eden and their life outside the Garden? Help the children understand that even though life was difficult, Adam and Eve were happy because now they could learn and become like Heavenly Father (see Moses 5:10–11). They worked hard to supply themselves with food, clothing, and shelter. They also worked hard to keep the commandments and live close to the Lord. How can we follow the example of Adam and Eve when our life seems hard?

• What would have happened to us if Adam and Eve had not partaken of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil? (President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “Let’s thank the Lord, when we pray, for Adam. If it hadn’t been for Adam, I wouldn’t be here; you wouldn’t be here; we would be waiting in the heavens as spirits” [in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, p. 122; see also 2 Nephi 2:22].)

• What did Adam and Eve later say about their choice to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil? (Moses 5:10–12.)

Have someone read the testimony of Adam and Eve from Moses 5:10–12. Express your appreciation for what Adam and Eve did for us. Testify that because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected and can choose to become like Heavenly Father and return to his presence.

Encourage the children to share with their families a specific part of the lesson, such as a story, question, or activity, or to read with their families the “Suggested Home Reading.”

THIS SCRIPTURES IS FEATURED IN THE SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE ACTIVITY ABOVE (shown here)

Suggest that the children study Moses 5:9–12 at home as a review of this lesson.