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:

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/ocean

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

Nikki 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=ESRCG

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/

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:

?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.

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:

Episode Links:

Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/ocean

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

Pre-order Sherri?s new book for kids, Wonders of the Ocean Realm: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9781496486462&tag=tyndalehous06-20

Learn more about Sherri Seligson?s work: https://www.sherriseligson.com/about

Sherri?s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherriseligson/

Sherri?s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SherriSeligsonAuthor

Explore 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/0825447615

Scriptures 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:

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.

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:

Episode Links:

Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/ocean

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

Evidence 4 Faith Website: https://evidence4faith.org/

Evidence 4 Faith Mailing List: https://evidence4faith.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f2656bda96ebe4b445450103c&id=e3c6289303

Evidence 4 Faith Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/e4f/

Evidence 4 Faith YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@evidence4faithofficial

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/

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:

?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: Fish

Chondrichthyes: 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:

Episode Links:

Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/ocean

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

Find 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/0825447615

Scriptures 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.

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:

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/nattheo43

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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:

??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.

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:

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/1947297805

Jill Smith?s Website: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learner

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 Cicada Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo42

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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:

?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.

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:

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/nattheo41

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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:

?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.

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:

?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/nattheo40

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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:

?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.

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:

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/stream

Free Bat Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo39

A 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/club

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:

?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 variety

Mammal: 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.com

How do spiders make silk, spin webs, and?fly?! Discover amazing arachnid engineers in nature.

 Here?s our trail map:

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/stream

Free Spider Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo38

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

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 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.com

When God created dart frogs, He splashed the jungle in color! Discover these amazing...and deadly...creatures.

 Here?s our trail map for today:

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/stream

Free Dart Frog Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo37

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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:

?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.com

Foxes are like the ninjas and escape artists of the wild, but why are they so sneaky? 

 Here?s our trail map:

?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/club

Free Fox Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo36

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/stream

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:

?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.com

Beekeeper Jenny joins us as we dive into a beehive and learn all about bees and how God designed them with very important jobs to do, and creative ways to go about their work!

Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Super Simple Homeschool Podcast with Jenny Hedrick: https://www.supersimplehomeschool.net/podcast

Super Simple Homeschool Resources: https://www.supersimplehomeschool.net/notebooks

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/stream

Free Bee Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo35

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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

Source: Institute for Creation Research Creation Podcast: The Industrious Life of Bees: https://www.icr.org/article/creation-podcast-episode-49

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.? Psalm 119:11 (NLT)

?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.? Genesis 1:11 (NCV)

?People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.? Matthew 4:4 (NLT)

?...The words I told you are spirit, and they give life.? John 6:63 (NCV)

?For the word of God is alive and active?.? Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Festooning: Bees link together by their feet to form a chain. Festooning helps bees work together in building their hive. It might be a form of measurement.

Pollinator: A creature that helps spread pollen, which helps plants grow.

Pollen: Fine powder substance made by the male part of flowers. When pollen lands on a female part, that flower can make more flowers.

Nectar: A sweet liquid in flowers that bees eat and turn into honey.

Hexagon: Shape with six sides.

Beeswax: A natural wax produced by bees that they build their honeycombs out of.

Pheromones: A chemical scent or smell given off by some creatures.

Brood: A bee still growing inside its cell.

Larva: Immature or baby form of an insect.

Corbiculae: The ?pollen basket? where bees carry pollen on their body back to the hive.

Sustenance: What we need to survive. A source

What do numbers, patterns, and shapes have to do with nature? A whole lot! Discover how God used math to create nature. Learn about a special pattern of numbers and shapes that show us God?s signature style in the wonderful things He has made.

 Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Download the FREE Episode Activity Guide for this lesson, provided by CTCMath! https://erynlynum.com/nattheo34

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.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

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

One of the books used for research: Wild Fibonacci: Nature?s Secret Code Revealed

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?I the LORD do not change.? Malachi 3:6 (NIV)

?Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.? Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

???God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace?? 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NCV)

?For in him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.? Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Mathematician: Someone who studies and uses math in their work. They are experts in math.

Pattern: A pattern is something like numbers or shapes that happen in a regular or repeated way.

Consistent: Something is unchanging, or remains the same over time.

Geometry: The study of shapes and figures in math.

Golden Rectangle: A special rectangle shape that is made from Fibonacci?s number sequence. 

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

How do birds sing such pretty songs? God designed them with an amazing and unique voice box. Meet a few interesting species and hear their incredible melodies as we dive into the musical world of birds.

 Here?s our trail map:

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/stream

Free Bird Song Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo33

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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

Listen To The Birds book: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Birds-Yoann-Gueny/dp/1324031034

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord and praise his name; every day tell how he saves us.? Psalm 96:1-2 (NCV)

?Let the skies rejoice and the earth be glad; let the sea and everything in it shout. Let the fields and everything in them rejoice. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.? Psalm 96:11-12 (NCV)

?And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.? Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

?Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.? Psalm 105:6 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Communicate: To exchange or share information, news, or ideas. 

Theory: An explanation for why things might 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.

Complex: Something that is made up of many parts. The opposite of simple.

Larynx: Voice box with vocal cords (muscles) used to make noise.

Syrinx: A bird?s voice box. An organ deep inside a songbird?s chest containing a double set of vocal cords.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

What exactly is a sloth? Is it a type of monkey, or a koala? Discover how God designed these fascinating creatures to be expert tree climbers and to live most of their lives upside down.

 Here?s our trail map:

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Free Sloth Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo32

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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

Sloth research: https://slothconservation.org/

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.? Job 37:14 (NIV)

?Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.? Psalm 90:12 (NCV)

?Remember your Creator while you are young.? Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Xenarthra: A group of mammals including sloths, anteaters, and armadillos.

Bradypus sloth: A 3-toed sloth, darker brown and gray with dark face markings like a mask.

Choloepus sloth: a 2-toed sloth, light brown and orange color with a snout like a pig.

Warm-blooded: Animals that keep a warm and consistent body temperature that mostly does not depend on their environment.

Digestion: The processes in a body of breaking down food and turning it into energy.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a turtle and a tortoise? The answer might be surprising. The facts we're learning about their fascinating shells might be a bit unexpected, too!

 Here?s our trail map:

Links:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Free Turtle & Tortoises Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo31

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:

?A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God?s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God?s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God?s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.? Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Egg Tooth: A specially designed growth on a turtle?s beak (mouth) used to break open their egg. The egg tooth falls off within a day or two after hatching.

Cold-blooded: Body temperature changes according to the environment. Cannot make their own body heat.

Keratin: Protein that makes turtle shells as well as other things in nature including hair, nails, claws, scales, feathers, horns, hooves, and even the outermost layer of our skin.

Scutes: Individual plates or pieces of the turtle shell. Scutes are made of keratin and cover the bone part of the turtle shell.

Carapace: Top part of a turtle?s shell.

Plastron: Bottom part of a turtle?s shell.

Vulnerable: To be without protection. Something that is vulnerable can be easily hurt.

Hinged Shell: Turtle shell that can open and shut.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

What would you think if the sun suddenly disappeared? I?m sharing my story of one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced: a total solar eclipse?and what it showed me about our Creator God.

 Here?s our trail map:

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Free Solar Eclipse Activity Guide: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo30

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

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made.? Psalm 19:1 (NCV)

?For in him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.? Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) 

?So don?t worry, because I am with you. Don?t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.? Isaiah 41:10 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Solar: Something coming from or having to do with the sun. When you hear ?solar,? think sun!

Eclipse: Something moving in front of or blocking out something else.

Solar Eclipse: When the moon moves in front of the sun, so it is between earth and the sun, and blocks out our view of the sun.

Our Solar System: The collection of eight planets and their moons, along with our sun. All of these are bound together by an invisible force called gravity. Our solar system is our special place within the universe.

Elliptical Orbit: An oval-shaped path. The moon has an elliptical orbit moving in a sort of oval path around earth.

Astronomers and Mathematicians: Astronomers are scientists who specialize in space. Mathematicians specialize in math.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

How can you create space and time for your family to form core memories in nature? Be inspired by our guest, Ginny Yurich, of 1000 Hours Outside! Ginny reminds us that we get to make the decisions when it comes to how our family spends time, and provides practical ideas and a wealth of wisdom for investing more time in nature as a family. This episode is part 2 and the Parents Edition (always family friendly). Listen to Part 1 (Episode 28) as Ginny inspires our kids to spend their days outdoors.

Order Ginny's new book, Until The Streetlights Come On: https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain/dp/B0CMVCZF45/

Get all of Ginny's free resources at https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

Listen to Ginny's fabulous podcast, 1000 Hours Outside: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/podcast

Find more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

When did you see a butterfly for the first time this year? When did the robins return? Learn how to create a nature "Calendar of Firsts" from our guest, Ginny Yurich, of 1000 Hours Outside! Ginny's also sharing with us all the good reasons to get out into the sunshine, and how we can inspire our friends to play outside with us. This episode is part 1, the kids edition. On part 2, Ginny will share with parents and caregivers.

Order Ginny's new book, Until The Streetlights Come On: https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain/dp/B0CMVCZF45/

Get all of Ginny's free resources at https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

Listen to Ginny's fabulous podcast, 1000 Hours Outside: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/podcast

Find more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com

How does something as beautiful and complex as a flower grow from an itty-bitty seed? Today we are learning about the life cycle of flowers, and what their life?and even death?teach us about God?s Word.

 Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Download the Hints of New Life Scavenger Hunt and Devotional: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo27

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?The Lord God put the man in the garden of Eden to care for it and work it.? Genesis 2:15 (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)

?The grass dies and the flowers fall, but the word of our God will live forever.? Isaiah 40:8 (NCV)

?Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.? Matthew 24:35 (NIV)

?Lord, your word is everlasting?? Psalm 119:89 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Embryo: The first stage of growth and development.

Dormant: To be inactive, or not active.

First Plant Shoot: The first part of the plant to push through the soil and grow above ground. Tender and fragile baby plant from which the plant will continue to grow.

Photosynthesis: A process controlled by sunlight that puts things in a plant together to turn them into energy. Photosynthesis allows a plant to use the sun?s energy to make food.

Cotyledon: First leaf-like structures in a plant, present in the seed. Not ?true leaves? and might look different from the leaves to grow after. Important for the plant to begin photosynthesis.

Nectar: A sugary liquid in plants that insects and some birds rely on. Very important for pollination.

Annual Flowers: Flower plants that only grow for one growing season.

Perennial Flowers: Flower plants that grow for several seasons, going dormant in cold weather then sending up new shoots and growing again the following growing season.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever wondered how a rock is made? Have rocks just always been here? Is a rock?born? Let's dive into the study of geology and discover the creative and fascinating ways God made rocks?including mini crystal caves called geodes!

Here?s our trail map:

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Join this month?s giveaway of a geode cracking kit and the picture book, When You Find A Rock! Enter to win at erynlynum.com/giveaway

Free Geology Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo26

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

If You Find A Rock Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Find-Rock-Peggy-Christian/dp/0152063544

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 praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.? Psalm 139:14

?Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.? John 4:13-14

?A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life?life in all its fullness.? John 10:10

?God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.? 1 Samuel 16:7

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Igneous Rocks: Rocks formed from cooled lava (originally magma).

Sedimentary Rocks: Rocks formed from sediments (tiny pieces) of eroded rocks and sometimes once-living organic materials.

Erosion: A process in which something is broken down over time by wind, water, or other natural forces.

Metamorphic Rocks: Rocks changed from one form to another by extreme heat or pressure.

Minerals: Substances God made in nature that are not alive and don?t come from plants or animals. They are the ingredients of rocks. We need many minerals to live, and we get a lot of minerals from the foods we eat.

Satisfied: We are pleased and content. We have what we need and do not want or need more. To be satisfied is to have enough.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever heard that owls are wise? On this episode, we are meeting some very smart birds and learning how their brains are designed. But is being smart the same thing as being wise?

 Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get 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

Free Smart Birds Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo25

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Smart Bird Research from What It?s Like To Be A Bird by Sibley.: https://www.amazon.com/What-Its-Like-Bird-Singing-What/dp/0307957896 (Like many science and nature books, I don?t agree with everything this book says about how birds came to be, but it does share fascinating information about the design and behavior of these wonderful creatures God made)

Clark?s Nutcracker information: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Clarks_Nutcracker/overview

Owl whistle story from What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.? Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)

?There are four things on earth that are small, but they are very wise: Ants are not very strong, but they store up food in the summer. Rock badgers are not very powerful, but they can live among the rocks. Locusts have no king, but they all go forward in formation. Lizards can be caught in the hand, but they are found even in kings? palaces.? Proverbs 30:24-28 (NCV)

?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)

?It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver!? Proverbs 16:16 (NCV)

Prayer from Ephesians 1:16-17 (NCV): ?I always remember you in my prayers, asking the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you will know him better.?

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Nocturnal: An animal that is active mostly at night

Neocortex: The area of a human brain where thoughts, ideas, emotions, senses, and self-awareness are processed.

Pallium: An area of a bird?s brain that acts similar to a neocortex. This is where birds process information in their brains.

Neuron: Nerve cells that send information all over our bodies and back to our brains. A master communication system in our bodies.

Hippocampus: An area in the pallium where a bird thinks about location, direction, where they are, and where other things are.

Scatter hoarding: When a bird finds food, such as seeds, and stashes it away, or hides...

Have you ever seen a Venus flytrap catch a fly?! These fascinating plants might look like they come from outer space?but that?s far from the truth. If they?re not from space, where are they from and why do they eat insects?

Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

What do you want to learn about on Nat Theo? Share your episode ideas on the form at Erynlynum.com/nattheo

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo24

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Lambda and Universe Vital Signs information are form Michael Guillen, PhD, Believing Is Seeing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-take-over-the-world/id1333158713?i=1000632146187

Carnivorous Plants Article: https://answersingenesis.org/biology/plants/carnivorous-plants/

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?God said, ?Look, I have given you all the plants that have grain for seeds and all the trees whose fruits have seeds in them. They will be food for you. I have given all the green plants as food for every wild animal, every bird of the air, and every small crawling animal.? And it happened.? Genesis 1:29-30

?So I will put a curse on the ground?The ground will produce thorns and weeds for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.? Genesis 3:17-18

?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

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Habitable: Suitable or good enough to live in.

Vital signs: Medical signs in your body that show if something is wrong. 

Lambda: A ?Cosmological Constant.? Lambda tells scientists something about how quickly the universe is expanding outward.

Fine-tuning: God carefully dialed in the vital signs of the universe so humans, animals, and plants can live and thrive on earth.

Carnivorous plants: Plants that eat living organisms

Theory: An explanation for why things might 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.

Photosynthesis: A design God made in plants that helps them turn the sun?s energy into food.

Mechanoreceptors: Tiny sensors that sense a touch or pressure on skin.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Did you know bears don?t hibernate? But what is it called when they take a long, sleepy nap in winter? We?re exploring four fascinating ways God designed creatures to rest and why rest is important for us, too!

Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Nature's Rest Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo23

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?So the sky, the earth, and all that filled them were finished. By the seventh day God finished the work he had been doing, so he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day, because on that day he rested from all the work he had done in creating the world.? Genesis 2:1-3

?...The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world. He does not become tired or need to rest?? Isaiah 40:28

?This is what the Lord commanded, because tomorrow is the Sabbath, the Lord?s holy day of rest.? Exodus 16:23

?Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.? Matthew 11:28-30

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Hibernation: When an animal goes into a dormant, sleepy state and its metabolism slows, heart rate slows, and body temperature lowers.

Metabolism: A chemical process in a body that changes food into energy.

Denning: A bear?s winter nap. Similar to hibernation, but they only lower their body temperature by about ten degrees. (Also called Ursid hibernation or carnivore lethargy)

Estivation: Like winter hibernation but happens during the summer.

Torpor: Similar to hibernation but only lasts a few hours. Like a small, daily hibernation

??Circadian rhythm: Circadian means ?around a day.? Circadian rhythm is our internal clock that helps us know what time it is.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever had an up-close encounter with a wild animal? Seeing God?s creatures up-close is wonderful?so long as we?re aware, safe, and respectful. I?m sharing my four close encounters with mountain lions on today?s show!

Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Animal Tracking Coloring Sheet :https://erynlynum.com/nattheo22

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Mountain Lions State by State: https://mountainlion.org/state-by-state/

Closing song ?Looking For Adventure?: Composed by Tim McMorris. Produced by King's Crown Productions

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.? 1 Peter 5:8

?So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.? James 4:7

?But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One.? 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Habitat: The natural area where a creature lives

Awareness: Staying alert and having knowledge

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Why are Christmas trees not perfect? On this special Christmas feature, we're sharing one of our family's favorite children's books: Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect. Join us for this story full of nature, beauty, and wonder!

Nat Theo Club Members can access a video with illustrations to read along.

Join the Nat Theo Club to access more resources here: https://erynlynum.com/club

Thank you to Guideposts Books for granting permission to use this story.

Order Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect here: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Christmas-Trees-Arent-Perfect/dp/1501825836

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? We?re learning how birds fly and how bird flight inspired human flight and changed history! We?re also meeting a super inspiring person mentioned in the Bible named Bezalel (Beh-za-lel).

Here?s our trail map:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo20

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Thank you to the How To Take Over The World podcast for their two-part feature on the Wright Brothers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-take-over-the-world/id1333158713?i=1000632146187

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills? to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.? Exodus 31:3-5

?So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.? Genesis 1:27

?O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.? Psalm 104:24

?By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God?s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.? Hebrews 11:3

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Lift: When a bird captures air under their wings and pushes that air down in order to take off in flight.

Pectoralis major muscles: The largest and superior muscle of the outer chest wall. In birds, it?s these muscles that allow for flight.

Supracoracoideus muscle: This muscle is deeper inside the bird?s chest cavity and allows the bird to raise its wings back up.

Pneumatized bones: Bones with small pockets of air.

Keratin: Protein that makes bird feathers as well as hair, nails, claws, scales, horns, hooves, and even the outermost layer of our skin.

Bioinspiration: When God?s designs in nature inspire human creativity and inventions.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever been near a wildfire? Today my family is sharing what it was like living through the largest wildfire in Colorado?s written history. We?re also discovering how wildfire can be helpful and what important jobs it has in nature.

Here?s our trail map:

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/club

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo19

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

?Have you ever gone into the storehouse of the snow or seen the storehouses for hail, which I save for times of trouble?? Job 38:22-23

?Jesus answered, ?Why are you afraid? You don?t have enough faith.? Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm. The men were amazed and said, ?What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!?? Matthew 8:26-27

?We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.? Romans 5:3-5

?The LORD himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you. Don?t be afraid and don?t worry.? Deuteronomy 31:8

?When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior?? Isaiah 43:2-3

?And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.? Romans 8:28

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Pyrocumulus Clouds: A towering cloud caused by a massive fire that can make its own weather.

Evacuate: to move yourself away from a dangerous situation or place.

Restore: To bring something back to its original condition, like a fresh start.

Serotinous: In most serotinous species, a seed requires high temperature like wildfire to open or be released.

Faithful: Completely trustworthy. Can be counted on.

Discover more Bible and nature lessons at Erynlynum.com

Let's explore the fascinating world of invisible living creatures. That?s right?invisible! Not because they have super powers or an invisibility cloak, but because they are so tiny we cannot see them with our eyes. We're exploring:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo18

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Thank you to Institute for Creation Research (ICR) for their episode on bacteria: https://youtu.be/7az1YsbkJBk?si=3PzS9J68LERU4ZMq

Scientific study on microbes on a grain of sand: https://www.mpg.de/11830658/sand-bacteria

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

?O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.? Psalm 104:24

?God looked at everything he had made, and it was very good.? Genesis 1:31

?I will put a curse on the ground, and you will have to work very hard for your food. In pain you will eat its food all the days of your life. The ground will produce thorns and weeds for you? Genesis 3:17-18

?Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God?s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ.? Romans 3:23-24

?You have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.? Ephesians 2:8

?God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many! If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand?? Psalm 139:17-18

?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

Terms Learned in this Episode:

Microscopic: Too small to see with only your eyes, you need a microscope to see it.

Microscope: A tool used in science to magnify tiny objects and see them closer and larger.

Bacteria: A type of microbe (living thing that can only be seen through a microscope).

Fermentation: A process in which living bacteria (and other microbes) break down ingredients and turn a food or drink into something new.

Pathogenic Bacteria: Microbes that cause illnesses or diseases. These are what we call Germs.

Grace: When God gives us good things that we cannot work for and do not deserve.

Have you ever seen a snake wearing glasses? Did you know dragonflies have around 60,000 eyes? We're exploring the fascinating ways creatures see the world and answering these questions:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo17

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Chameleon Eye Research in Israel: https://www.voanews.com/a/scientists-solve-mystery-of-chameleon-eyes/3026868.html

Scriptures Used in This Episode:

?The eye is a light for the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are evil, your whole body will be full of darkness?? Matthew 6:22-23?

Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.? Psalm 119:37

?Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good.? Proverbs 4:25

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Complex: Opposite of simple. Consisting of many different and connected parts.

Compound: Something made up of two or more parts, elements, or ingredients.

Compound Eye: A larger eye made up of many tiny lenses, like tiny individual eyes.

Peripheral Vision: What we can see to the left, right, up, or down without moving our heads.

Facets or Ommatidia: The tiny lenses in a compound eye that act as light receptors and send information to the brain.

Eye Caps or Spectacles: Special clear scales over a snake?s eyes that protect and keep their eyes clean.

Sensory Receptor: Nerve ending that take in what is happening around us and helps send that information to our brains.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever seen a ladybug wearing a sweater? How about a bee wearing a scarf or a spider wearing snow boots? Insects might not have a winter wardrobe, but God designed them to brave the cold in very creative ways! We're exploring:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo16

Join the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Scriptures Used in This Episode:

?As long as the earth continues, planting and harvest, cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night will not stop.? Genesis 8:22

?He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.? Colossians 1:17

?God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.? Psalm 46:1

?This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.? Psalm 91:2

?We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts?? Romans 5:3-5

?He (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.? Revelation 1:4

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Lifespan: The amount of time a certain species normally lives for.

Diapause: When an insect goes dormant (stops growing or developing) to survive the cold. Similar to hibernation.

Glycerol: A chemical compound some insects produce to keep their cells from freezing (same chemical used in antifreeze).

Legacy: What we do in life that blesses and impacts people after our lives.

Refuge: A safe place. A shelter.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

When God created plants, He made them in a very different way than animals and humans. And so the ways trees make friends and communicate with each other look quite different than our friendships and the way we talk! On this episode, we're exploring:

?Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!

Download the free Tree Friends coloring sheet and the Tree Secrets Devotional

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures in Today's Episode:

?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

?So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now.? 1 Thessalonians 5:11

?Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Terms Learned in Today's Episode:

Nephesh: Hebrew word meaning living creatures (animal and humans) with blood, spirit, and the breath of life

Theology: The study of God

Forester: Someone whose job is taking care of a forest

Mycelium: Underground network of fungi, like a web of life, that produces mushrooms.

Tannin: Bitter chemical compound found in plants

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Sources that helped with research for this episode:

https://www.icr.org/article/are-plants-alive/

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

https://www.kariega.co.za/blog/do-giraffe-make-trees-talk-to-each-other

Wait... chameleons have crystals in their skin?! And there is an octopus with a costume box?? Today we're exploring creature camouflage and learning about two animals God created with very special camouflaging strategies. We're looking at:

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!

Download the free Camouflage Creature Coloring Sheet

Video: Chameleon Changing Colors

Video: Looking at skin cells in a microscope

Video: Mimic Octopus Impersonating Other Creatures

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures in Today's Episode:

?Don?t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God?s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.? Romans 12:2

?For we are God?s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.? Ephesians 2:10

?But to all who did accept him and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God.? John 1:12

?But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.? 1 John 1:9

?I praise you (God) because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.? Psalm 139:14

Terms Learned in Today's Episode:

Cell: Tiny building blocks all living things are made out of

Chromatophore: Special cells that produce or change pigment (color)

Iridophore: Special cell (building blocks) in a chameleon?s skin (a type of chromatophore)

Nanocrystals: Tiny crystalline particles inside the chameleon?s special skin cells that can reflect different colors

Mimic: imitate, or pretend to be someone or something else

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever seen fireflies glowing throughout a forest or field? God created a whole host of creatures that glow in the dark! Today we're exploring:

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!

Download the free Glow-in-the-Dark Creatures Coloring Page to go along with this lesson

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures in Today's Episode:

?It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God?s command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen.? Hebrews 11:3

?God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.? 1 John 1:5

?God once said, ?Let the light shine out of the darkness!? This is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ.? 2 Corinthians 4:6

?You are the light that gives light to the world? And people don?t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.? Matthew 5:14-16

?I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.? John 8:12

Terms Learned in Today's Episode:

b?r?? (baw-raw): Hebrew word for God?s special creativity

Bioluminescence: light that comes from living creatures

Photobacterium: Bacteria (tiny creatures) that produce living light

Twilight Zone: 650 - 3,300 feet deep in the ocean where sunlight doesn?t reach

Luciferin: Molecule used in bioluminescence

Luciferase: Enzyme that breaks down the Luciferin molecule to create living light

Lampyridae: Family or category of beetles, most which emit living light (Bioluminescence)

Glowworm: Larva (juvenile) form of fireflies

Thank you to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) for their very helpful podcast episode on Living Light, which we used in researching for today's lesson! https://youtu.be/_nENsJLm2E8?si=RFvzjuCRp0V2tuFc

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Discover the incredible water birth of hermit crabs! Today we're exploring the many fascinating ways God's creatures have babies. We'll look at:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Join the Nat Theo Club!

Receive a full-color digital guide to go along with every episode as they air!

Resources:

Download the free coloring page for this episode

Join the Nat Theo Club

Our video of a monarch caterpillar creating its chrysalis

Video of a bat giving birth while hanging upside down

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

"You (God) saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old. God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many!" Psalm 139:16-17

?So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.? Genesis 1:27

?He has planted eternity in the human heart.? Ecclesiastes 3:11

?Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God?s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ.? Romans 3:23-24

?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

Terms introduced in this lesson:

Captivity: Creatures not living in the wild, usually kept as pets.

Soul: Who we are inside. We cannot see our touch our soul. It is eternal (lasts forever).

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

If mushrooms are not plants or animals, what are they? Today we're exploring the fascinating world of fungi! We're looking at:

Join the Nat Theo Club!

Receive a full-color digital guide to go along with every episode as they air!

Resources:

Video of wild orchids

Video of fly agaric mushroom

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

?But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...? Galatians 5:22-23

?I (Jesus) am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.? John 15:5

?How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.? Psalm 104:24

Terms Introduced:

Fungi: Category of living things including mushrooms, lichen, yeast, and mold.

Mycelium: Underground network of fungi that produces mushrooms.

Decomposing: Breaking down organic (natural) material. Decaying.

Biocomputing: The scientific study of how living things compute or use information like computers.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Disclaimer: Fungi can be dangerous! This guide & podcast episode are educational only and not to be used as a guide for determining whether a mushroom is safe. Never touch mushrooms without expert advice.

Can butterflies remember their younger days as caterpillars crawling across plants and munching on leaves? My kids are chiming in on today's episode as we explore:

Resources:

Video of ladybug larva (babies) on Eryn's Instagram Page

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Caterpillar memory study

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

"If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!? 2 Corinthians 5:17

?Remember the wondrous works that he has done.? 1 Chronicles 16:12

?Don?t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.? 1 Timothy 4:12

?You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother?s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.? Psalm 139:13-14

Terms Introduced:

Metamorphosis: A big change in physical form. A change of the body.

Larva: Baby form of an insect.

Exoskeleton: Hard outer shell, skeleton on the outside of the body.

Molt: When an insect sheds its exoskeleton.

Pupa: Protective case a creature enters into to go through metamorphosis.

Imaginal Discs: Group of cells that become the new parts of the butterfly.

Mushroom Bodies: Part of the brain that stores memories about taste and smell.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever seen a bear in the wild? If so, what color was it? I once saw a bear fishing in the river, and its color surprised me! On this episode, we're exploring:

Resources:

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

The Burgess Animal Book for Children

(Note, the Burgess book is not faith-based and uses "Mother Nature" as a main character. However, it's a lovely book that helps kids learn and remember the details of amazing creatures God has made)

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

"You make springs pour into the ravines; they flow between the mountains. They water all the wild animals; the wild donkeys come there to drink. Wild birds make nests by the water; they sing among the tree branches. You water the mountains from above. The earth is full of the things you made. O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:10-13, 24

"Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God.? 2 Peter 1:3

?And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.? Philippians 4:19

"Look at the birds in the air. They don?t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don?t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don?t have so little faith! Don?t worry and say, ?What will we eat?? or ?What will we drink?? or ?What will we wear?? The people who don?t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God?s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well." Matthew 6:26-33

Terms Introduced:

Recessive gene: A gene that can be passed on by both parents to a child, or in a bear's case, a cub. It can be responsible for a child born with red hair, or a black bear born with white fur.

Hyperphagia: Extreme unsatisfied desire to eat. Bears go through a stage of Hyperphagia when storing up fat before they nam in colder months.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Once upon a time, I watched the sun disappear! On today's episode, I'm sharing my all-time favorite story about the sun. We're exploring:

Why the sun is so important

How the sun gives energy to plants

Why sunflowers follow the sun all day long

And how in the same way, we can follow God?s light all day long!

Resources:

FREE Printable Summer Verse Cards

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Focus on the Family Interview: Helping Kids See God's Glory in Nature

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:"

Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." Genesis 1:3

?...God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.? 1 John 1:5

?My eyes are ever toward the Lord... Psalm 25:15"

...so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.? Psalm 123:2

?In him (Jesus) there was life, and that life was the light of all people. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.? 1 John 1:4-5

Terms Introduced:

Helianthus: Sunflower (Helios: Sun, Anthos: Flower)

Heliotropism: When a plant grows toward the light

Photosynthesis: A process controlled by light that puts things in a plant together to turn them into energy.

Chlorophyll: Responsible for a plant's green pigment, and allows a plant to soak in sunlight.

Elaborated Sap: The "super food" of plants. It's created when sunlight, through chlorophyll, turns the minerals from water and carbon dioxide from air into a plant's sugars.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever held a roly-poly? My kids and I recently became roly-poly trainers! We made some fun observations and today we're exploring:

The fascinating life of a roly-poly

What really is a roly-poly?

Are there things in nature that aren't what they seem?

Are there words we use and hear that aren't what they seem?

How can we trace words and things in nature back to their identities?

Note for parents and caregivers: This episode breaks down the concept of "Linguistic Theft." A very helpful read on this is in the book Mama Bear Apologetics, Chapter 4: Linguistic Theft.

Scriptures & Quotes Referenced in this Episode:

?God is love.? 1 John 4:8

?I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you.? John 13:34?the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.? Mark 10:45

?The solid world (that is, nature), exists. It?s laws do not change. Stones are hard. Water is wet.? George Orwell, 1984

?I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.? John 14:6

?We are called to be loving, but in love we should recognize and point out false definitions. Disagreement does no equal hate.? Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Mama Bear Apologetics

?We will speak the truth in love.? Ephesians 4:15

?Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have, but answer in a gentle way and with respect.? 1 Peter 3:15

Resources:

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

When my kids told me about axolotls, I thought they were mythical creatures! But then we brought one home as a pet. On this episode, you'll hear from my kids what they think about axolotls. We're exploring:

What is an axolotl?

How does it regrow parts of its body?

What other creatures "regenerate?"

How does God, in a similar way, regrow our hearts and minds?

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

?I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.? Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

"And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

?I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.? Jeremiah 24:7

?Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable?if anything is excellent or praiseworthy?think about such things.? Philippians 4:8

?Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.? Romans 12:2

?If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!? 2 Corinthians 5:17

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Eryn's Instagram Page: Instagram.com/erynlynumauthor

Download free Bible + Nature activities and devotions on Eryn's website: Erynlynum.com/free

Over six billion birds are on the move! We're exploring the magnificent wonders of bird migration and answering these questions:

What is migration?

How do birds know when to migrate?

How do birds prepare for their long journeys?

How do birds find their way and navigate the skies?

What can birds teach us about boldly following God?s plans?

Discover the two things birds need to take their incredible journeys, and three "compasses" they use to navigate the skies.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

?God blessed them and said, 'Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'? Genesis 1:26

?As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there.? Genesis 11:2

?So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth.? Genesis 11:8

?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

?And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.? Isaiah 30:21

?When people?s steps follow the LORD, God is pleased with their ways. If they stumble, they will not fall, because the LORD holds their hand." Psalm 37:23-24

?Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.? Psalm 119:105

Resources mentioned:

Eryn?s new book, Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family?s Faith Through God?s Creation

Birdcast.info to track bird migrations over your county

Taking Flight: Boldly Following God's Plans Devotional and Birdwatching Guide?

How Do Birds Find Their Way?? children's book

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Which animals have antlers? What are antlers made of? Why do deer shed their antlers? And what does all of this have to do with the way we live and follow Jesus? On this episode, we're exploring the antler world, playing a game of "Spot The Imposter," learning why people collect antlers, and discovering how we can shed our old ways and live in God's abundant life.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's new book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Have a question for the Nat Theo podcast? Reach out at erynlynum.com/nattheo

Thank you to the Wildlife Anatomy book by Julia Rothman for assisting with my antler research

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

?If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!? 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Christ we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin." 1 Corinthians 1:30

"Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. Christ is your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory...

But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk. Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before. You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God." Colossians 3:3-4, 8-10

?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

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Do you have questions about climate change? We all do. What is it and is it really happening? Most importantly, what does the Bible say about climate change? Wait...what? The Bible talks about climate change? It does!

Today we'll explore what's really happening, what God says about a changing planet, and why we should not live in fear. Plus, we'll explore a few fun ideas for caring for God's creation!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's new book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Have a question for the Nat Theo podcast? Reach out at erynlynum.com/nattheo

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

"And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds?livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.'? Genesis 1:24

"And to Adam he said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ?You shall not eat of it,? cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.'" Genesis 3:17-18

?Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. . . And he who was seated on the throne said, ?Behold, I am making all things new.?? Revelation 21:2,5

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Genesis 2:15

Facts and sources for this episode:

From 1880 to 1980, the combined temperature of land and sea rose a total of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit. (Rooted In Wonder, research from this article on climate.gov)

There was a previous warming period that lasted around 400 years between 800 and 1200 AD (or some point to 900-1300 AD). (From Answers in Genesis and A Different Shade of Green by Dr. Gordon Wilson)

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever sensed something was not right?

God created monarch caterpillars with an incredible ability to sense danger and avoid it. They cut toxin off at its source so they can stay safe and thrive in God's design. God created you to do the same! He will help you sense harm and stay clear of danger as you live out his great plan for your life!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's new book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

?The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.? John 10:10

?Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable?if anything is excellent or praiseworthy?think about such things.? Philippians 4:8

?I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.? Psalm 101:3

"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.? Psalm 119:37

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Do you think Jesus had a favorite bird? If he did it might have been... (spoiler alert!)...

The house sparrow!

The house sparrow is one of the most common birds, found on every continent except Antartica. The oldest fossil of a house sparrow was found in Bethlehem. It's likely that Jesus grew up with house sparrows much like the ones in our own yards! But when we learn a little more about how Jesus taught using birds in the Bible, and how much it takes to feed a house sparrow, we discover powerful truth in God's promise of provision.

Resources mentioned:

Merlin Bird ID App

Eryn's new book, Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

?Through his power all things were made?things in heaven and on earth? Colossians 1:16???

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?? Matthew 6:26"

"All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many!? Psalm 139:16-17

Discover more biblical truth taught through nature and free resources at ErynLynum.com