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/ocean

Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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/0825447615

Scriptures 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