Podcast
Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible
Hosted by The Natural Theology Project · EN
Have you ever wondered why God made mosquitoes? How an axolotl can regrow parts of its body? If a snail is born with a shell? Or why an octopus has three hearts?
Welcome to Nat Theo (Nat = Natural, Theo = Theology), a Bible-based nature and science podcast for curious kids and their families! Join Master Naturalist, Bible teacher, and author Eryn Lynum as we explore fascinating creatures, incredible science, and the truths of God’s Word.
Through engaging stories, surprising facts, and memorable nature lessons, children discover how creation points to its Creator. From tiny insects and backyard birds to capybaras, axolotls, dinosaurs, oceans, weather, space, and more, each episode helps families develop a biblical worldview while growing in faith and wonder.
Whether you homeschool or attend public, private, or Christian school, Nat Theo makes a fun and educational addition to your family’s week. It’s science rooted in Scripture, nature study filled with wonder, and biblical truth you can carry with you wherever they go.
The Natural Theology Project helps families nurture faith and wonder through Bible-based nature study, science curriculum, and the Nat Theo podcast.
68episodes
Episodes
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Why And How Do Leaves Change Colors? Episode 49
Nov 5, 202400:29:19Tap to summarizeWhy does a tree have leaves, and if they are so important, why do leaves fall off a tree? Discover why a tree lets its leaves go and why those leaves turn many different colors before they fall off.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Forest Biome?What Are Coniferous And Deciduous Trees?What Is The Job Of A Tree Leaf?Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves?Why Do Leaves Change Colors?How Can We Let Others Around Us See God’s Beauty Inside Us?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Apologia Leaf Color Experiment: https://www.apologia.com/blog/fall-in-love-with-the-science-of-autumn-hidden-colors-activity/Access full Episode Lesson Guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Tree Leaf Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/tree-leaves-change-colors/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, ‘This man was one of Jesus’ followers!’But Peter denied it. ‘Woman,’ he said, ‘I don’t even know him!’After a while someone else looked at him and said, ‘You must be one of them!’‘No, man, I’m not!’ Peter retorted.About an hour later someone else insisted, ‘This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.’But Peter said, ‘Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.” Luke 22:54-62 (NLT)“We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 (NCV)“I am not ashamed of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Biome: A large area in the world with a specific climate including weather patterns and temperature where certain plants and creatures live.Coniferous Tree: A tree that makes cones, has needles for leaves, and most keep their leaves (needles) all year long.Deciduous Tree: Deciduous means “falling Off.” A deciduous tree has leaves that fall off. Most deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, but some lose them in spring.Marcescence: When a tree holds on to its dead, faded, withering leaves. This happens in the case of some oak trees that keep their browned leaves through winter then lose them in spring when new buds form.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.Dormant: When something is not active or growing but can become active and grow more in the future.Chlorophyll: The pigment in plants that makes them green, including tree leaves.Xanthophylls: The pigment that makes leaves yellow, always present in leaves but not always visible.Carotenes: The pigment that makes leaves orange, always present in leaves but not always visible.Anthocyanins: The pigment that makes leaves red or purple, produced in the autumn after a hard freeze traps sugars in a leaf.Evergreen: A coniferous tree that keeps its leaves all year long and does not shed them.Mentioned in this episode:Send in your nature questionSend in your nature question at: https://erynlynum.com/ask
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What Can We Learn From A Whale’s Earwax? With Whale Expert Nikki Farmer - Episode 48
Oct 29, 202400:26:27Tap to summarizeDo whales clean their ears? And what might a scientist learn from a whale’s earwax? Whale expert Nikki Farmer joins us as we discover God’s amazing designs in whales.Here’s our trail map:What Is A Cetacean?How Does A Whale’s Blowhole Work?How Do Whales Communicate With Each Other?What Can We Learn From A Whale’s Earwax?What Are The Two Main Types Of Whales?How Can We Filter What We Take Into Our Hearts And Minds?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubNikki Farmer’s Website: http://becausegodcalleditgood.com/Christian Liberty Press Nature Reader 5: Ocean Book: https://www.christianbook.com/christian-liberty-press-nature-reader-book/9781629821719/pd/821724?event=ESRCGExplore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But test everything. Keep what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NCV) “Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NiRV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Cetacean: A group of marine mammals including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Blowhhole: A hole (or two in some species) at the top of a whale’s head allowing it to breathe. It exhales air out of the blowhole.Echolocation: A way God designed some animals to locate things by sound and echoes. Odontocetes: Whales with teeth (toothed whales).Mysticetes: Whales with baleen (baleen whales).Baleen: Plates of bristle-like structures that allow baleen whales to filter their food and take in only what they need.Mentioned in this episode:Send in your nature questionSend in your nature question at: https://erynlynum.com/ask
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Can Jellyfish Live Forever? With Marine Biologist Sherri Seligson - Episode 47
Oct 22, 202400:48:21Tap to summarizeHow can a creature live forever...especially one without a brain? Marine biologist Sherri Seligson joins us to explore the incredible lives of jellyfish.Here’s our trail map:What Kind Of Creature Is A Jellyfish?How Do Jellies Sting?How Does A Jelly Grow Up?What Is An Immortal Jelly?How Can We Live Forever?Episode Links:Ocean Series Printables: https://erynlynum.com/oceanGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubPre-order Sherri’s new book for kids, Wonders of the Ocean Realm: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9781496486462&tag=tyndalehous06-20Learn more about Sherri Seligson’s work: https://www.sherriseligson.com/aboutSherri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherriseligson/Sherri’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SherriSeligsonAuthorExplore Apologia’s curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore… The One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:1, 5 (NCV)“...I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 (NCV)“You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear.” James 2:19 (NCV)“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Cnidarian: Animals in the phylum cnidaria including jellies (jellyfish), sea anemones, and corals.Bioluminescence: “Living light” created or carried by some creatures. Often caused by a chemical reaction that God designed into bioluminescent creatures.Plankton: Living organisms (animals or plants) that float or are carried by water currents and cannot swim against the current. Most plankton are tiny. Jellyfish are considered plankton because they cannot swim against the ocean currents.Nematocysts: Stinging cells on a cnidarian animal.Medusa: The adult form of a jellyfish with its “bell top.”Polyp: The juvenile (young) form of a jellyfish adhered to a hard surface, before it “blooms” and becomes an adult medusa.Planula: Tiny baby (larval) form of a jellyfish floating around before it attaches to a hard surface and becomes a polyp.Portuguese Man of War: Another cnidarian animal often mistaken for a jellyfish, but different.Ecosystem: An area where the plants, creatures, and other things in nature like water, rocks, dirt, and sun all help each other.Temporary: Only lasting for a while. Not permanent.Immortal: Lasting forever. Eternal.Mentioned in this episode:Send in your nature questionSend in your nature question at: https://erynlynum.com/ask
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Creating Core Memories in Nature as a Family with Ginny Yurich - Parents Edition - Episode 29
Mar 27, 2024Tap to summarizeOrder 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
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Create a Nature Calendar of Firsts with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside - Kids Edition - Episode 28
Mar 26, 2024Tap to summarizeOrder 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
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Can Mountain Lions Roar? Episode 22
Jan 9, 2024Tap to summarizeHave 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
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Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect - A Christmas Special - Episode 21
Dec 22, 2023Tap to summarizeOrder 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/clubThank 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
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How Are Hermit Crabs Born? Exploring Crazy Creature Birth Stories
Aug 22, 2023Tap to summarizeDiscover the incredible water birth of hermit crabs! Today we're exploring the many fascinating ways God's creatures have babies. We'll look at:How are hermit crabs born?What creature gives birth in a snow fort?What creature has its baby while hanging upside down?How are human babies different from creature babies?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 episodeJoin the Nat Theo ClubOur video of a monarch caterpillar creating its chrysalisVideo of a bat giving birth while hanging upside downScriptures 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 10:9-10Terms 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
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