Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

If a polar bear isn’t white, what color is it? Discover the amazing ways birds and mammals stay warm, alive, and thrive in frigid Arctic temperatures.Here’s our trail map:What Birds Did God Design to Live In the Arctic?What Mammals Did God Design to Live In the Arctic?What Color Is a Polar Bear’s Fur?How Does God’s Light Help Us Live and Thrive?Episode Links:Jill Smith’s Book, Nature Unveiled: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learnerGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Arctic Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/polar-bear-colorExplore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Earth Science Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/apologia-advantage-set-earth-science-with-junior-notebooking-journal/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV)“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:3 (NCV)“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the sky to separate day from night. These lights will be used for signs, seasons, days, and years. They will be in the sky to give light to the earth.’ And it happened. So God made the two large lights. He made the brighter light to rule the day and made the smaller light to rule the night. He also made the stars.” Genesis 1:14-16 (NCV)“The true Light that gives light to all was coming into the world!” John 1:9 (NCV)“In him there was life, and that life was the light of all people.” John 1:4 (NCV)“In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light. Light brings every kind of goodness, right living, and truth.” Ephesians 5:8-9 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Countercurrent Circulation: A design allowing a bird to keep its body warm, even while its legs are in icy cold water, by trading heat between the blood in their feet and the rest of their bodies.Mammal: A group of animals that have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, have a backbone, (most) have live births, and feed their babies with milk from their bodies.Guard Hairs: Longer coarse, or rough, hair that acts kind of like a raincoat, protecting an animal from rain or wet snow.Transparent: See-through.Undercoat: Short, dense, and soft fur growing beneath the outer guard hairs.Sebum Oil: Natural oil made by the body's sebaceous glands. Animals that make this oil use it to coat their fur like a waterproof layer.Back Fat: Thick layer of fat beneath the skin. Some animals can store this layer of fat to use as energy throughout the winter.Blubber: Thick layer of fat beneath the skin on marine mammals including seals,...

Meet the oldest living caterpillar on earth who braves the Arctic and can survive in -90 degrees Fahrenheit! On part one of our 2-part Arctic feature, discover the unique Arctic ecosystems and the plants and creatures God designed to thrive there.Here’s our trail map:Where Is the Arctic and What Is It Like?Can Plants Grow in the Arctic?What Caterpillar Braves the Arctic?Do Any Amphibians Live In the Arctic?How Does God Prepare Us for Harsh Conditions?Episode Links:Jill Smith’s Book, Nature Unveiled: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learnerGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Arctic Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/arctic-woolly-bear-mothTry CTCMath’s simple and effective math lessons: https://ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Earth Science Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/apologia-advantage-set-earth-science-with-junior-notebooking-journal/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“God is our protection and our strength.He always helps in times of trouble.So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes,or the mountains fall into the sea,even if the oceans roar and foam,or the mountains shake at the raging sea.”Psalm 46:1-3 (NCV)“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life…” 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)“May he (God) equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.” Hebrews 13:21 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Ecosystem: An area where the plants, creatures, and other things in nature like water, rocks, dirt, and sun all help each other.Permafrost: A thick layer of soil beneath the surface that remains frozen throughout the year.Heliotropism: When a plant grows toward (follows) the sunlight.Photosynthesis: A process controlled by sunlight that puts things in a plant together to turn them into energy. How a plant makes its own food.Diapause: When an insect goes dormant (stops growing or developing) to survive the cold. Similar to hibernation.Generalist: A species that can survive in a wide range of conditions and make use of many resources for food and energy.Glycerol: A chemical compound some creatures produce to keep their cells from freezing.Amphibian: Group of cold-blooded animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Most live on land and in the water and go through metamorphosis.Harsh: Unpleasantly rough or severe.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

How can a tiny wood duck baby survive a 60-foot fall? Discover God’s amazing design in wood ducks and what they teach us about trusting God’s voice.Here’s our trail map:How Does a Duck Keep Its Feet Warm?What Is a Wood Duck?Where Does a Wood Duck Nest?How Does a Baby Wood Duck Survive a 60-Foot Fall?How Can We Trust and Follow God’s Voice?Episode Links:Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Wood Duck Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/wood-duck-babiesSend in your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askWood Duck Map: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Duck/maps-rangeExplore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Try CTCMath’s K-12 math program for free at https://ctcmath.com/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NIV)“He (God) has planted eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard…” John 16:33 (NLT)“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Crest: A group of raised feathers on a bird’s head commonly used to identify certain species.Countercurrent Circulation: A design allowing a duck to keep its body warm, even while its legs are in icy cold water, by trading heat between the blood in their feet and the rest of their bodies.Tree Cavity: A tree cavity is a hole in a tree’s trunk that leads to a hollow area or sunken area inside the tree trunk. Formed by injury to the tree, branch loss, natural decay, or some birds.Down Feathers: A layer of soft, fluffy feathers under the outer feathers that keep a bird warm. In many species including wood ducks, chicks are born with these down feathers.Assurance: To have assurance is to be confident of something or to be certain about something.Instinct: Instinct guides and helps us to do something that we have not learned how to do yet, often to stay safe. It’s like a deep knowledge that God tucked inside of us or an animal.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Monarch butterflies make an incredible migration journey. But do all monarchs take this long voyage? Monarch expert Kayla White joins us as we explore God’s design in these long-distance insects.Here’s our trail map:Why Do Monarch Butterflies Migrate?How Do Monarch Butterflies Know When to Migrate?How Do Monarch Butterflies Find Their Way?Does Every Generation of Monarch Migrate?What Are 3 Ways We Can Follow God’s Plan On Life’s Journey?Episode Links:Nat Theo Shop: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubWatch a monarch emerging from its chrysalis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Qh8PGdy64Kayla White’s Books: https://lucytheladybug.com/ladybug-books-and-more/Melody: A Monarch Miracle: https://lucytheladybug.com/product/melody-a-monarch-miracle/Kayla White’s Blog (Monarch post) https://lucytheladybug.com/video-have-you-ever-seen-a-monarch-emerge/Monarch Migration Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/monarch-butterflies-migrate/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Psalm 145:4 (NLT)“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT)“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (NLT)“The Lord says, ‘I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Generation: All the people born at about the same time. Like layers of people born throughout history.Diapause: When an insect goes dormant (stops growing or developing) to survive the cold. Similar to hibernation.Circadian Clock: The system God designed in a body similar to an internal clock. It helps our bodies wake, rest, and function throughout day and night.Imaginal Discs: A group of cells in a caterpillar that become the new parts of the butterfly.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

How did the Black-footed ferret go from being endangered, to extinct, to endangered, to extinct, and now making a comeback? Come along on this fascinating story and discover how one woman’s curiosity helped save an entire species.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Black-footed Ferret?How Did The Black-footed Ferret Almost Disappear?How Did Curiosity Save the Black-footed Ferret?Why Is Our God-given Curiosity Important?Episode Links:Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Endangered Animals Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/black-footed-ferretExplore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“...Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14 (ESV)“Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Native Animal: An animal that is living where it belongs. It was not brought in by humans. It is living where God created it to live.Mammal: A group of animals that have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, have a backbone, (most) have live births, and feed their babies with milk from their bodies.Nocturnal Animals: Animals that are mostly active at night.Tapetum Lucidum: Reflective layer in some eyes that reflects light.Extinct: A creature is no longer living on earth. There are no more of its species.Endangered: When a species is likely to go extinct (meaning we will have no more of them in the future) if they are not protected.Awe: To be filled with amazement and wonder.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

What good is a leaf after it falls off a tree? Meet the forest recyclers who help turn old things into new life.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Duff?How Is A Forest Recycled?What Lives In A Pile Of Leaves?Why Are Decomposers Important?How Does God Restore And Make Things New?Episode Links:Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Forest Recycling Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-fallen-leaves-are-importantFind great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Botany Exploring Creation with Botany Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/apologia-advantage-set-botany-2nd-edition-with-regular-notebooking-journalRoly-poly Episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/62dc056f-543f-49e1-8d71-c7056d13742a/Bacteria Episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1d403844-0e2d-494a-a113-5ed7e86c947b/Mushrooms and fungus episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b5b86cc0-358b-4136-bc79-643bd15aff9b/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore… The One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:1, 5 (NCV)“God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV)“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Duff: A layer on the forest floor made up of dead leaves, sticks, grass, and other natural things.Recycle: To make something old new. To turn something that would normally be thrown away into something useful.Humus: Healthy soil that is packed full of good minerals and nutrients from decomposers.Rhizosphere: The area beneath the soil or dirt surface that surrounds plant roots. Decomposing: Something natural is breaking down by a chemical process. It is becoming rotten or decaying.Enzymes: A type of protein, a very important building block in life, that speeds up chemical processes.Reconcile: To restore or bring back into harmony.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Why does a tree have leaves, and if they are so important, why do leaves fall off a tree? Discover why a tree lets its leaves go and why those leaves turn many different colors before they fall off.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Forest Biome?What Are Coniferous And Deciduous Trees?What Is The Job Of A Tree Leaf?Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves?Why Do Leaves Change Colors?How Can We Let Others Around Us See God’s Beauty Inside Us?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Apologia Leaf Color Experiment: https://www.apologia.com/blog/fall-in-love-with-the-science-of-autumn-hidden-colors-activity/Access full Episode Lesson Guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Tree Leaf Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/tree-leaves-change-colors/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, ‘This man was one of Jesus’ followers!’But Peter denied it. ‘Woman,’ he said, ‘I don’t even know him!’After a while someone else looked at him and said, ‘You must be one of them!’‘No, man, I’m not!’ Peter retorted.About an hour later someone else insisted, ‘This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.’But Peter said, ‘Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.” Luke 22:54-62 (NLT)“We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 (NCV)“I am not ashamed of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Biome: A large area in the world with a specific climate including weather patterns and temperature where certain plants and creatures live.Coniferous Tree: A tree that makes cones, has needles for leaves, and most keep their leaves (needles) all year long.Deciduous Tree: Deciduous means “falling Off.” A deciduous tree has leaves that fall off. Most deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, but some lose them in spring.Marcescence: When a tree holds on to its dead, faded, withering leaves. This happens in the case of some oak trees

Do whales clean their ears? And what might a scientist learn from a whale’s earwax? Whale expert Nikki Farmer joins us as we discover God’s amazing designs in whales.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Cetacean?How Does A Whale’s Blowhole Work?How Do Whales Communicate With Each Other?What Can We Learn From A Whale’s Earwax?What Are The Two Main Types Of Whales?How Can We Filter What We Take Into Our Hearts And Minds?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubNikki Farmer’s Website: http://becausegodcalleditgood.com/Christian Liberty Press Nature Reader 5: Ocean Book: https://www.christianbook.com/christian-liberty-press-nature-reader-book/9781629821719/pd/821724?event=ESRCGExplore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But test everything. Keep what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NCV) “Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NiRV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Cetacean: A group of marine mammals including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Blowhhole: A hole (or two in some species) at the top of a whale’s head allowing it to breathe. It exhales air out of the blowhole.Echolocation: A way God designed some animals to locate things by sound and echoes. Odontocetes: Whales with teeth (toothed whales).Mysticetes: Whales with baleen (baleen whales).Baleen: Plates of bristle-like structures that allow baleen whales to filter their food and take in only what they need.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

How can a creature live forever...especially one without a brain? Marine biologist Sherri Seligson joins us to explore the incredible lives of jellyfish.Here’s our trail map:What Kind Of Creature Is A Jellyfish?How Do Jellies Sting?How Does A Jelly Grow Up?What Is An Immortal Jelly?How Can We Live Forever?Episode Links:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubPre-order Sherri’s new book for kids, Wonders of the Ocean Realm: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9781496486462&tag=tyndalehous06-20Learn more about Sherri Seligson’s work: https://www.sherriseligson.com/aboutSherri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherriseligson/Sherri’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SherriSeligsonAuthorExplore Apologia’s curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore… The One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:1, 5 (NCV)“...I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 (NCV)“You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear.” James 2:19 (NCV)“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Cnidarian: Animals in the phylum cnidaria including jellies (jellyfish), sea anemones, and corals.Bioluminescence: “Living light” created or carried by some creatures. Often caused by a chemical reaction that God designed into bioluminescent creatures.Plankton: Living organisms (animals or plants) that float or are carried by water currents and cannot swim against the current. Most plankton are tiny. Jellyfish are considered plankton because they cannot swim against the ocean currents.Nematocysts: Stinging cells on a cnidarian animal.Medusa: The adult form of a jellyfish with its “bell top.”Polyp: The juvenile (young) form of a jellyfish adhered to a hard surface, before it “blooms” and becomes an adult medusa.Planula: Tiny baby (larval) form of a jellyfish floating around before it attaches to a hard surface and becomes a polyp.Portuguese Man of War: Another cnidarian animal often mistaken for a jellyfish, but different.Ecosystem: An area where the plants, creatures, and other things in nature like water, rocks, dirt, and sun all help each...

What do a tiny garden slug and a 50-foot giant squid have in common? They are both mollusks! Discover a fascinating group of creatures and their unique problem-solving strategies.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Mollusk?How Are Seashells Made?What Is A Bivalve?How Is A Pearl Made?Why Are Pearls Valuable?How Can God Turn Our Problems Into Something Valuable?Episode Links:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubExplore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NCV)“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Organ: An important part inside the body that has a special job to do.Mollusks: Soft-bodied animals that have an important organ called a mantle and a special foot used to get around, grasp things, or dig. Most but not all mollusks have shells.Mantle: A special organ in a mollusk that creates a shell.Bivalve: A type of mollusk creature with two shells held together by a hinge that can open and close.Incurrent Siphon: A part of the mollusk’s body, like a hose, used to bring in water and bits of food.Excurrent Siphon: A part of the mollusk’s body, like a hose, used to get rid of waste.Irritant: Something that causes discomfort or pain and is difficult to get rid of.Nacre: The material an oyster covers an irritant with. Sometimes it is called Mother-of-pearl.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Can sharks ever stop swimming? And what is a shark tooth made from? Marine biologist and shark expert Michael Lane joins us to shed light on common misunderstanding about sharks.Here’s our trail map:How Are Sharks Different From Most Fish?Can Sharks Ever Stop Swimming?How Do Sharks Use Electricity?What Is A Shark’s 6th Sense?How Has God Created Us To Find What We Need?Episode Links:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubEvidence 4 Faith Website: https://evidence4faith.org/Evidence 4 Faith Mailing List: https://evidence4faith.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f2656bda96ebe4b445450103c&id=e3c6289303Evidence 4 Faith Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/e4f/Evidence 4 Faith YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@evidence4faithofficialExplore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“A person lives not on bread alone, but by everything God says.” Matthew 4:4 (NCV)“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.’” John 14:6 (NCV)“But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words, but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come.” John 16:13 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Ichthys: FishChondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish. Fish with cartilage instead of bones.Cartilage: Strong tissue that is flexible. Protects and supports bones and joints. Human noses and ears are made from cartilage.Dermal Denticle: Shark teeth which are not made of bone.Enamel: Hard protective layer around bone or cartilage. Human teeth are covered in enamel. It is the hardest substance in a human body.Buccal Ventilation: A method some sharks use to breathe. They use muscles in their cheeks to draw water in and push it past gills, which take in oxygen from the water. Sharks that use this can breathe while not moving.Ram Ventilation: A method some sharks use to breathe while swimming with their mouths open, so water rushes over their gills.Electroreception: The ability in animals to sense electrical currents and fields.Ichthyologist: A scientist who studies fish.Ampullae of Lorenzini: Jelly-filled sacs (pores) that allow a shark to sense the electrical field and find food using electrical currents.Cephalization: When sensory organs are concentrated on the font of the body or face.Lateral Line: A line down the center of fish on both sides containing sensory organs. Fish use

Explore the most mysterious place on earth! To kick off our ocean series, we’re meeting a massive squid and a curious creature with a light made from bacteria.Here’s our trail map:How Much Water Is On Earth?What Is The Continental Shelf?What Are The Four Ocean Zones And What Live In Them?Are Giant Squids Real?How do Anglerfish Light Up?What’s The Deepest Part Of The Ocean?Episode Links:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFind great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Then God said, ‘Let the water be filled with living things, and let birds fly in the air above the earth.’ So God created the large sea animals and every living thing that moves in the sea. The sea is filled with these living things, with each one producing more of its own kind. He also made every bird that flies, and each bird produced more of its own kind. God saw that this was good.” Genesis 1:20-21 (NCV)“You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins. You will throw away all our sins into the deepest part of the sea.” Micah 7:19 (NCV)“So if the Son (that is Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Continental Shelf: Shallow part of the ocean at an average of 200-feet deep, surrounding land continents. This is where most ocean creatures live.Marine Habitat: An area in the ocean that support specific ocean creatures and plants such as a kelp forest, coral reef, or seagrass meadow.Twilight: The time right after sun sets when there is low lighting.Photobacterium: Microscopic living creatures that create their own light.Bioluminescence: “Living light” created or carried by some creatures. Often caused by a chemical reaction that God designed into bioluminescent creatures.Swim Bladder: A special organ God designed some fish with. A gas-filled organ, like a balloon, that helps fish stay buoyant and float at certain depths.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

How do wolves, mountain lions, porcupines, and other animals see in the dark? Discover God’s amazing design of night vision.Here’s our trail map:What Are Nocturnal and Crepuscular Animals?What Animals Have Night Vision?How Does Night Vision Work?How Does God Help Us See Clearly In The Dark?Episode Links:Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Free Night Vision Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo43Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“…God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NLT)“The Light (Jesus) shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.” John 1:5 (NCV)“Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Nocturnal: Creatures that are mostly active at night.Crepuscular: Creatures that are mostly active at dawn and dusk.Tapetum Lucidum: Reflective layer in some eyes that reflects light.Photoreceptors: Special cells in an eye that take in light and send messages to the brain.Rods: Special photoreceptor cells that help see brightness. Rods help with night vision.Diurnal: Creatures that are mostly active during the day.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

What is a cicada and why do they make so much noise? Biologist and cicada expert Jill Smith joins us to share about these amazing opera singers in nature!Here’s our trail map:What Is A Cicada?How Do Cicadas Grow Up?Why Were There So Many Cicadas This Year?Why Are Cicadas So Loud?How Can We Wait Well On God’s Timing?Episode Links:Nat Theo Shop: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Order Nature Unveiled by Jill Smith: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Unveiled-Reflections-Experiencing-Creation/dp/1947297805Jill Smith’s Website: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learnerExplore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Free Cicada Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo42Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NCV)“Before the mountains were born and before you created the earth and the world, you are God. You have always been, and you will always be.” Psalm 90:2 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Biologist: A scientist who studies living things.Hemiptera: Order of insects that are true bugs with a sucking mouth part like a straw.Incomplete Metamorphosis: A creature that goes through a big change (metamorphosis). Begins as an egg, then several stages of nymphs, then adult.Molting: When a creature sheds an outer shell (exoskeleton) as it grows older and grows new exoskeleton.Periodic Cicada: A group of cicadas in eastern North America that emerges, or comes out of the ground, after many years. They spend most of their lives (13 or 17 years) underground.Annual Cicada: Cicadas that live underground around two years then emerge. Different broods (groups) emerge each year.Predator Satiation: When many creatures of a species are born at the same time, so not all of them are eaten by predators. Some survive and continue having babies to follow God’s design of making more of its kind.Tymbal: A structure in the male cicadas that contracts (squeezes) then releases to make noise.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Discover the amazing secret language of prairie dogs. Prairie dogs have one of the most detailed ways of communicating among animals. Learn what they might be saying on today’s episode.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Prairie?Are Prairie Dogs…Dogs?What Is A Keystone Species?What Is A Prairie Dog Town?How Do Prairie Dogs Use A Secret Language?How Does God’s Spirit Use a Secret Language To Speak To Us?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Free Prairie Dog Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo41Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but we received the Spirit that is from God so that we can know all that God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 2:12 (NCV)“But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name.” John 14:26 (NCV)“Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Language: A way of communicating or sharing information. Prairie: A large area that is flat or has rolling hills, with a lot of grasses and wildflowers.Ecosystem: An area where the plants, creatures, and other things in nature like water, rocks, dirt, and sun all help each other.Keystone Species: A plant or creature that is very important for keeping other plants or creatures in its ecosystem alive. Prairie Dog Town: An area on the prairie where a lot of prairie dogs live.Prairie Dog Colony: A group of prairie dogs that live together in a prairie dog town.Burrowing Animals: Animals that dig burrows or use burrows underground.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Bats are misunderstood, which is one reason they are disappearing. Discover why bats are very important for our gardens, crops, and food, and how we can protect these amazing creatures God made.Here’s our trail map:What Are Micro Bats and Macro Bats?How Are Bat Babies Born?What Can Bats Teach Us About Friendship?How Are Bats Great Gardeners?Why Are Bats Disappearing?How Can We Help Protect The Bats God Made?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Free Bat Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo40Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NCV)“Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NCV)“It is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in peace!” Psalm 133:1 (NCV)“Then God said, ‘Let the earth produce plants—some to make grain for seeds and others to make fruits with seeds in them. Every seed will produce more of its own kind of plant.’ And it happened. The earth produced plants with grain for seeds and trees that made fruits with seeds in them. Each seed grew its own kind of plant. God saw that all this was good.” Genesis 1:11-12 (NCV) “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Micro and Macro: Micro means small. Macro means large.Bat Roost: Where a bat hangs out. In the roost, a bat might sleep, hibernate, groom themselves or keep themselves clean, and have babies.Bat Colony: A group of bats that roosts together.Maternity Roost: Where a temporary colony of female bats have their babies together.Pollination: A system God set up in nature to grow new plants. A creature (like a bee or other insect, bird, or bat) drinks a flower’s sweet nectar and gets pollen on its body. It visits another flower and that pollen rubs off, allowing a new seed to grow for a new plant.Endangered: When a species is likely to go extinct (meaning we will have no more of them in the future) if they are not protected.Vulnerable: Vulnerable means a species is not quite endangered, but they will be if we don’t protect them.Mentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club:...

Have you ever heard anyone say someone or something is “blind as a bat?” Are bats really blind? Discover these unique and fascinating flying mammals! Here’s our trail map:Is a Bat A Bird?Why Do Bats Hang Upside Down?Are Bats Blind?What Is Echolocation?How Can We Send Out Signals To Hear From God?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamFree Bat Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo39A photo of a bat hanging in our lilac bush: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9vHb36yJfq/Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12 (NLT)“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” 1 John 5:14-15 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Diverse: Having a lot of differences and varietyMammal: Group of animals that have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, have a backbone, (most) have live births, and feed their babies with milk from their bodies.Nocturnal: Active at night. Normally sleep during the daylight hours and are awake at night, hunting when it is dark.Chiroptera: “Hand-wing.” The order of mammals that is bats, with over 1,300 species of bats.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.comMentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

How do spiders make silk, spin webs, and…fly?! Discover amazing arachnid engineers in nature. Here’s our trail map:Are Spiders Insects or Bugs?Why Do Spiders Make Silk and Webs?Can Spiders Fly?How Do Spiders Make Silk and Webs?How Can God Use Our Small Gifts to Do Big Amazing Things?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamFree Spider Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo38Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)“You can’t go out against this Philistine and fight him. You’re only a boy. Goliath has been a warrior since he was a young man.” 1 Samuel 17:33 (NCV)“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (NCV)“...You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel! You have spoken against him. Today the Lord will hand you over to me…” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 (NCV)“Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Arachnid: Group of creatures including spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Have 8 legs and 2 main body parts.True Bugs: Insects that have a sucking mouth part, like a straw.Entomology: The study of insects.Arachnology: The study of arachnids.Anchor Line: A line of silk a spider creates to help it get around, and often to get down from tall heights.Ballooning: When spiders use the earth’s electric field to fly through the sky.Electricity: A form of energy. Electricity is naturally found all around us on earth.Protein: Molecules made up of amino acids. Proteins are important building blocks in our cells, which are like the building blocks of our bodies.Organ: A special part inside a body with an important job to do.Spinnerets: Special organs spiders use to make silk.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.comMentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

When God created dart frogs, He splashed the jungle in color! Discover these amazing...and deadly...creatures. Here’s our trail map for today:What Is a Poison Dart Frog?Why Are Dart Frogs Poisonous?Are Poison Frogs Used to Make Darts?How Do Dart Frogs Get Their Poison?How Can We Guard Our Hearts and Minds Against Harmful Things?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamFree Dart Frog Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo37Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 (NCV) “Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.” Psalm 119:37 (NCV)“I will not look at anything wicked…” Psalm 101:3 (NCV)“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Amphibian: Group of cold-blooded animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Most live on land and in the water and go through metamorphosis.Cutaneous Respiration: “Skin breathing.” This is when oxygen is absorbed (taken in) through the skin instead of through lungs or gills.Metamorphosis: When a creature goes through a big transformation or change from its baby form to its adult form.Cold-blooded: Body temperature changes according to the environment. Cannot make their own body heat.Theory: A theory is an explanation for why things happen or act a certain way. A theory is much more than a guess. It is based on observation, or what we see, and experimentation.Batrachotoxin: “Frog poison.” Toxin that causes muscle contractions and stops the lungs and heart from working. Found in frogs and some birds.Immune: Resistant to harm. Cannot be hurt by something.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.comMentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Foxes are like the ninjas and escape artists of the wild, but why are they so sneaky?  Here’s our trail map:What Is A Fox?Where Do Foxes Live?Are Foxes Playful?Why Are Foxes So Sneaky?How Do We Create a Good Reputation With Others?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Fox Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo36Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again.” Psalm 51:10 (NCV)“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.” Proverbs 16:2 (NLT)“...Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT)“If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Canid: Dog family including foxes, coyotes, wolves, and pet dogs.Kits or Pups: Baby foxes. Vixen: Female fox. Nesting: When a mother animal or human begins preparing an area as the time gets close to have her baby or babies.Purposeful: To have a reason for doing something. Underfur: Shorter hair that keeps foxes warm.Guard Hairs: Longer coarse, or rough, hair that acts kind of like a rain coat, protecting the fox from rain or wet snow.Reputation: What people think about someone, normally because of the way they act.Motives: The reasons why we do something or act a certain way.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.comMentioned in this episode:Gift the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club