
Hosted by The Natural Theology Project · EN

Is a “sawtooth shark” a real animal? And how do they use their nose like a metal detector, sword, and shovel? Discover the mystery of this often confused creature and how God designed sawfish with a long jagged nose to find and catch their next meal. Here’s our trail map:What Is a Sawtooth Shark?Why Do Sawfish Have a Saw?Are Sawfish Born With Saws?How Can We Tell What Is True From What Is False?Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Fish Breathe Underwater?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0fc09da4-deab-42ce-9e57-2a2d5e9a2d8c/What Is a Shark’s 6th Sense?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6d415944-5436-4f3c-810f-7ab3cf20591a/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Discover God’s designs in crabs and other ocean creatures with Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/Explore all of Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Sawfish Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/are-sawfish-born-with-saws/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askFurther Research:An excellent article on sawfish by Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com/en/articles/wonderfully-designed-sawfishScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“There used to be false prophets among God’s people, just as you will have some false teachers in your group. They will secretly teach things that are wrong—teachings that will cause people to be lost. They will even refuse to accept the Master, Jesus, who bought their freedom. So they will bring quick ruin on themselves. Many will follow their evil ways and say evil things about the way of truth.” 2 Peter 2:1-2 (NCV)“The time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching but will find many more teachers who please them by saying the things they want to hear. They will stop listening to the truth and will begin to follow false stories.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NCV)“...The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the Scriptures every day to find out if these things were true.” Acts 17:11b (NCV)“Really, there is no other Good News. But some people are confusing you; they want to change the Good News of Christ. We preached to you the Good News. So if we ourselves, or even an angel from heaven, should preach to you something different, we should be judged guilty! I said this before, and now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. If anyone is preaching something different to you, let that person be judged guilty!” Galatians 1:7-9 (NCV)“Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Spiracle: A special breathing hole located behind each eye that brings in water to flow over gills, so a creature can breathe while resting on the bottom of the ocean.Rostrum: A long, flat, saw-shaped snout with sharp “teeth” along the edges.Dermal Denticles: Teeth-like scales covering the skin of sharks and rays.Chondrichthys: Fish including sharks and rays that have cartilaginous bodies instead of bones.Cartilage: Strong tissue in a body that is flexible. Ray: A category of chondrichthyes (cartilaginous) fish with flat bodies and large pectoral fins, mouths and gills on their underside, spiracles for breathing, and some have whip-like tails.Ampullae of Lorenzini: Jelly-filled sacs (pores) that allow sharks and rays, including sawfish, to sense the electrical field and find food using electrical currents.Ovoviviparous: Babies grow inside the mother and are born live, but they’re fed by a yolk sac (not a placenta) and no hard egg is laid.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why do kangaroos hop? Can they walk? Do all kangaroos have pouches, and what are they for? Discover God’s wild and wonderful design in kangaroos and how they’re designed to move forward—never backward.Here’s our trail map:Do All Kangaroos Have Pouches?Why Do Kangaroos Hop?Can Kangaroos Jump Backward?How Does God Help Us Move Forward in Faith?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Kangaroo Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/do-all-kangaroos-have-pouches/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV)“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5 (ESV)“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) Terms Learned in This Episode:Marsupial: A group of mammals that have very tiny babies which are born early. Most have a pouch in which their baby or babies crawl into. Inside the pouch, the baby drinks milk and stays warm and safe as it continues growing.Marsupium: A pouch on a mother marsupial’s belly where her tiny baby or babies stay safe and warm after being born. Inside the pouch are nipples so the babies can drink milk and keep growing.Macropodidae: A family (category) of marsupials meaning “big feet,” including kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, tree-kangaroos, pademelons, quokkas, and other creatures known for large feet for hopping and tails for balancing.Saltation: Moving by jumps or hops instead of walking.Pentapedal Locomotion: Moving by using five feet. Or in the case of kangaroos, four feet and one tail.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

How much does a black bear eat each day? Do flamingos fly? And why does a giraffe have hooves? Curious questions from you listeners guide us into God's wild and wonderful world on this special kid-made episode!Episode Links:Explore Apologia's award-winning science courses and curriculum at: https://www.apologia.com/Episodes Mentioned:Lesson 23: Bears Don't Hibernate — 4 Cool Ways God Designed Creatures to Rest: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3511d4f1-617f-4742-b3f9-ab6c55f1ea50/Lesson 9: Are All Black Bears Black?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78e0351c-b224-40f7-9041-7627d528eef2/Lesson 31: What Is The Difference Between A Turtle And Tortoise?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dccb26a1-9dde-498f-8d6d-573f1478e243/Why Do Giraffes Have Spots? Lesson 105: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/57dc20eb-2e33-4b58-9765-fa726c5ba736/Why And How Do Leaves Change Colors? Lesson 49: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/38cf2f29-1a36-4c54-81ba-becb473615a2/Can a Narwhal Get a Brain Freeze? Lesson 102: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5beea601-57de-4eaf-a8d7-9f95a80f57cf/This podcast contains paid advertisements.

Dung beetles do more than roll poop—they roll it straight while walking backward in the dark. How? Meet the scientists who answered that question—using beetles, moonlight, and tiny cardboard hats.Here’s our trail map:Why Do Dung Beetles Roll Piles of Poop?Why Do Dung Beetles Collect Dung?How Is a Dung Beetle Like a Tiny Beetle Astronomer?How Can We Use God’s Word to Find Our Way?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Dung Beetle Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-dung-beetles-roll-piles-of-poop/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13 (NIV)“Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Sphere: A perfectly round solid shape with no corners and no edges. Every point on a sphere is the same distance from the center, so it looks the same from every side.Chemoreceptors: Sensor organs on a dung beetle’s antennae that allow it to sense animal scat from far away.Brood Ball: A dung ball that a mother dung beetle lays an egg in and buries. Then the egg hatches, the brood ball serves as first food for dung beetle larva.Detritivores: Creatures that eat dead or decaying things—and even animal waste—and mix it into the soil. Then tiny decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) finish breaking it down into nutrients.Dorsal Rim Area (DRA): The DRA is like a special compass area of their eye designed to see patterns in the night sky.Some but not all sources used in research:Supernavigators: Exploring the Wonders of How Animals Find Their Way (David Barrie)Atlas Obscura: Wild Life: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Living WondersThis podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why do ostriches not fly? And is it true ostriches bury their heads in sand when they are scared? Discover how God designed ostriches—the largest bird on earth—with pogo stick legs and feathery eyelashes, and what ostriches can teach us about facing our fears head on.Here’s our trail map:Why Don’t Ostriches Fly?How Is an Ostrich Like a Pogo Stick?Do Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand?How Can We Face Fears?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Ostrich Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/do-ostriches-bury-their-heads-in-the-sand/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“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)“Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NCV)“I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me. He saved me from all that I feared.” Psalm 34:4 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Keel Bone: A special bone God designed many birds with that allows them to fly. It is a tall ridge on a bird’s breastbone where the big flight muscles attach. It works like a boat’s keel, giving a strong place for wing muscles to push from so birds can flap and fly.Tendon: Flexible collagen tissue in a body that connects muscles to bones. They are kind of like elastic chords. They make it so that when our muscles move, the connected bones move also. Nictitating Membrane: A bird’s “third eyelid” that slides across the eye to keep it clean and wet.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

We know about massive dinosaurs, but how small were the smallest dinosaurs? Did dinosaurs swim and fly? Ken Ham, the founder of Answers in Genesis, joins us as we discover God’s wild and wonderful designs in dinosaurs.Episode Links:Dinosaurs for Kids: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-for-kids-hardback-singleDinosaurs of Eden: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-of-eden-revised-hardback-singleKen Ham’s Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/authors/ken-hamExplore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Visit the Creation Museum: https://creationmuseum.org/Visit the Ark Encounter: https://arkencounter.com/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why do decorator crabs dress up? Are they trying to be fancy, or do their costumes serve a purpose? Do they use duct tape or hot glue to stick slimy seaweed and prickly urchins to their shells? Learn how and why decorator crabs decorate themselves and what their elaborate outfits teach us about our own appearances.Here’s our trail map:Why Do Decorator Crabs Dress Up?How Do Decorator Crabs Stick Things to Themselves?What Happens When a Decorator Crab Molts Its Shell?How Can We Dress Ourselves in God’s Goodness?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Discover God’s designs in crabs and other ocean creatures with Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/Explore all of Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Decorator Crab Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-decorator-crabs-dress-up/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“...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 16:7b (NCV)“Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again.” Psalm 51:10 (NCV)“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Majoidea: A superfamily of crabs in the ocean commonly called spider crabs. Marine Crabs: Species of crabs designed to live in ocean waters with gills to breathe underwater, and spend most of their time in the water.Land Crabs: Species of crabs designed to live on land with specially made gill chambers for breathing.Decorator Crab: Crab species in the Majoidea superfamily that attach materials and living things from their environment to their shells for camouflage. Exoskeleton: A hard outer covering that protects an animal’s body. As the animal grows, it molts its exoskeleton and grows a new bigger one.Carapace: The hard top part of a crab’s exoskeleton. It covers and protects the crab’s head and body.Setae: Tiny bristles or hairs on an animal’s body. They can help with gripping, sticking, or sensing. Decorator crabs have setae on their exoskeleton to attach materials to.Mutualistic Relationship: Where two living things benefit from one another.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Can a massive moose swim through water? And what are their giant antlers for? Discover one of the largest land animals in North America and what they can teach us about being good listeners.Here’s our trail map:Is a Moose a Big Deer?Can Moose Swim?Why Do Moose Have Massive Antlers?How Can We Listen Well For God’s Voice?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Explore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God’s work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Moose Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/can-moose-swim/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askMoose Antler Amplification Test: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/mar/21/medicalresearch.animalbehaviourScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (ESV)“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NLT)“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Cervidae: A family (category) of mammals including moose, elk, caribou/reindeer, and different species of deer. In most species, males grow and shed antlers each year, they have split hooves. They are ruminants meaning they have four stomach compartments and chew cud.Herbivore: Creatures that eat only plants, such as leaves, grass, fruits, or vegetables.Antler: Branching bones that grow on the heads of deer family animals. They grow each year covered in soft velvet, harden for the season, then fall off (shed) and regrow.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

How did God use a pigeon save lives during World War I? Discover the incredible story of Cher Ami, a pigeon who saved the lives of almost 200 soldiers. Angela O’Dell shares this story from the Real Cool History for Kids Podcast.Join the adventure and discover more amazing stories in history told from a biblical worldview: https://angelaodell.com/real-cool-history-for-kids-home-page/

Besides light and warmth, what is so special about the sun? Discover how God Set the Stage for life when he placed the sun at the center of our solar system, and how this solar design reflects his faithfulness to us.Here’s our trail map:What Is the Sun and How Does it Rise?How Hot is the Sun?How Does the Sun Hold Our Solar System Together?How Does the Sun Help Us Spend Our Time Well?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:God's Design for Heaven & Earth: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-heaven-earth-set-mb-editionExplore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God’s work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Sun Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-hot-is-the-sun/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19 (NIV)“For in him 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)“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)“You saw my body as it was formed.All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.” Psalm 139:16 (NCV)“So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NCV)“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Psalm 65:8 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Sun: The closest star to earth and the center of our solar system, made mostly of gasses including hydrogen and helium.Sun’s Corona: The outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere extending for millions of miles into space.Mass: Mass is the amount of matter (or stuff) in an object.Gravity: An invisible pull between things that have mass.Orbit: The path one space object follows around another because of gravity.Habitable Zone: The ring around the Sun where a planet can be not too hot and not too cold, so liquid water can exist on its surface. This area is designed for life.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.