Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

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

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

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

How do spiders make silk, spin webs, and…fly?! Discover amazing arachnid engineers in nature. Here’s our trail map:Are Spiders Insects or Bugs?Why Do Spiders Make Silk and Webs?Can Spiders Fly?How Do Spiders Make Silk and Webs?How Can God Use Our Small Gifts to Do Big Amazing Things?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamFree Spider Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo38Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)“You can’t go out against this Philistine and fight him. You’re only a boy. Goliath has been a warrior since he was a young man.” 1 Samuel 17:33 (NCV)“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (NCV)“...You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel! You have spoken against him. Today the Lord will hand you over to me…” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 (NCV)“Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Arachnid: Group of creatures including spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Have 8 legs and 2 main body parts.True Bugs: Insects that have a sucking mouth part, like a straw.Entomology: The study of insects.Arachnology: The study of arachnids.Anchor Line: A line of silk a spider creates to help it get around, and often to get down from tall heights.Ballooning: When spiders use the earth’s electric field to fly through the sky.Electricity: A form of energy. Electricity is naturally found all around us on earth.Protein: Molecules made up of amino acids. Proteins are important building blocks in our cells, which are like the building blocks of our bodies.Organ: A special part inside a body with an important job to do.Spinnerets: Special organs spiders use to make silk.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.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:What Is a Poison Dart Frog?Why Are Dart Frogs Poisonous?Are Poison Frogs Used to Make Darts?How Do Dart Frogs Get Their Poison?How Can We Guard Our Hearts and Minds Against Harmful Things?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamFree Dart Frog Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo37Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 (NCV) “Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.” Psalm 119:37 (NCV)“I will not look at anything wicked…” Psalm 101:3 (NCV)“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Amphibian: Group of cold-blooded animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Most live on land and in the water and go through metamorphosis.Cutaneous Respiration: “Skin breathing.” This is when oxygen is absorbed (taken in) through the skin instead of through lungs or gills.Metamorphosis: When a creature goes through a big transformation or change from its baby form to its adult form.Cold-blooded: Body temperature changes according to the environment. Cannot make their own body heat.Theory: A theory is an explanation for why things happen or act a certain way. A theory is much more than a guess. It is based on observation, or what we see, and experimentation.Batrachotoxin: “Frog poison.” Toxin that causes muscle contractions and stops the lungs and heart from working. Found in frogs and some birds.Immune: Resistant to harm. Cannot be hurt by something.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Foxes are like the ninjas and escape artists of the wild, but why are they so sneaky?  Here’s our trail map:What Is A Fox?Where Do Foxes Live?Are Foxes Playful?Why Are Foxes So Sneaky?How Do We Create a Good Reputation With Others?Episode Links:Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Fox Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo36Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again.” Psalm 51:10 (NCV)“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.” Proverbs 16:2 (NLT)“...Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT)“If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Canid: Dog family including foxes, coyotes, wolves, and pet dogs.Kits or Pups: Baby foxes. Vixen: Female fox. Nesting: When a mother animal or human begins preparing an area as the time gets close to have her baby or babies.Purposeful: To have a reason for doing something. Underfur: Shorter hair that keeps foxes warm.Guard Hairs: Longer coarse, or rough, hair that acts kind of like a rain coat, protecting the fox from rain or wet snow.Reputation: What people think about someone, normally because of the way they act.Motives: The reasons why we do something or act a certain way.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.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:What Important Job Do Bees Have?How Do Bees Make Their Hive?How Do Bees Work As a Team?Can Bees Dance?How Do Bees Carry Pollen?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/podcastSuper Simple Homeschool Resources: https://www.supersimplehomeschool.net/notebooksExplore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/streamFree Bee Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo35Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Source: Institute for Creation Research Creation Podcast: The Industrious Life of Bees: https://www.icr.org/article/creation-podcast-episode-49Scriptures 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:Who Was Fibonacci and What Important Numbers Did He Discover?Why Are Shapes Important in Nature?How Do Numbers, Shapes, and Patterns in Nature Point to God?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/nattheo34Explore 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/0825447615Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOne of the books used for research: Wild Fibonacci: Nature’s Secret Code RevealedScriptures 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:Why Do Birds Communicate?How Do Birds Communicate?How Do Birds Sing?How Can We Praise Our Creator?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/streamFree Bird Song Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo33Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Listen To The Birds book: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Birds-Yoann-Gueny/dp/1324031034Scriptures 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:What is a sloth and what types are there?What do sloths do all day?Why do sloths hang upside down?How can moving slowly be good for us in life?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Free Sloth Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo32Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubOrder Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Sloth 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:What is the difference between a turtle and tortoise?What are the three main types of turtles?Why do turtles have shells and what is the shell?What built-in armor has God given us?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/clubFree Turtle & Tortoises Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo31Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“A 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:What happens during a solar eclipse?How did scientists discover solar eclipses?What is a “Totality Zone” and how can you see a solar eclipse?How does a solar eclipse reveal God?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/nattheo30Order 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/0825447615Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubScriptures 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/podcastFind 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/podcastFind 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:How do seeds grow into flowers?How are new seeds made?Why are flowers important?What can flowers teach us about God’s Word?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/0825447615Download the Hints of New Life Scavenger Hunt and Devotional: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo27Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubScriptures 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:What are three ways rocks are made?How are geodes made?What makes geodes different colors inside?How can we grow in beauty and wonder inside?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/giveawayFree Geology Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo26Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubIf You Find A Rock Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Find-Rock-Peggy-Christian/dp/0152063544Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“I 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 16:7Terms 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:How does an owl’s brain work?Meet three other very smart birdsWhat is the difference between being smart and being wise?How can we be wise?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/0825447615Free Smart Birds Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo25Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubSmart 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/overviewOwl 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 nightNeocortex: 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:Do Venus flytraps come from space?Where did Venus flytraps get their funny name and where do they come from?Two theories as to why Venus flytraps eat insectsHow do Venus flytraps catch insects?What can the design of Venus flytraps teach us about sensing God’s Holy Spirit?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/nattheoGet 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/0825447615Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo24Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubLambda 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=1000632146187Carnivorous 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 14:26Terms 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 organismsTheory: 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:What is hibernation?What is a bear’s winter nap called?What are four ways God designed animals to rest?Why is rest important for us?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/0825447615Free Nature's Rest Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo23Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubScriptures 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 11:28-30Terms 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:How did God make mountain lions special?What is the difference between a mountain lion, cougar, and puma?Can a mountain lion roar?How can you be safe when in mountain lion habitat?How can awareness keep us safe as we follow God?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/0825447615Animal Tracking Coloring Sheet :https://erynlynum.com/nattheo22Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubMountain Lions State by State: https://mountainlion.org/state-by-state/Closing song “Looking For Adventure”: Composed by Tim McMorris. Produced by King's Crown ProductionsScriptures 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 3:3Terms Learned in This Episode:Habitat: The natural area where a creature livesAwareness: Staying alert and having knowledgeFind more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com