Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Eryn Lynum
  • 4.8 (541)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join Master Naturalist, Bible teacher and author Eryn Lynum as we explore God's wild and wonderful world! What can a bird's migration teach us about God's guidance in our life? How can counting tree rings help us understand our life story? How can a milkweed plant help us cut off toxic thoughts and think about everything lovely and true? God's wild and wonderful world is full of amazing life lessons. As we get outside and adventure through creation, we'll discover how deep and wide the Father's love is for us! Each episode of The Nat Theo Nature Lessons podcast teaches God's truth through visuals in nature. Nat = Natural, Theo = Theology. Where kids dive into the study of Natural Theology—discovering God through nature!

  1. Why Do Male Seahorses Have Babies? Lesson 121

    3D AGO

    Why Do Male Seahorses Have Babies? Lesson 121

    What creature glides through the ocean with a tail like a monkey and a head like a horse? The seahorse, of course! Seahorses are very unique with their long noses, upright bodies, and curling tails. So….what exactly is a seahorse? Discover God's incredible designs in these one-of-a-kind creatures of the sea. Here’s our trail map: What Exactly Is a Seahorse?How Is a Seahorse Like a Vacuum Cleaner?Why Do Male Seahorses Have Babies?How Does God Prepare Us For Growing Up? Related Lessons to listen to next: What Is a Shark’s 6th Sense? With Marine Biologist Michael Lane - Lesson 45: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6d415944-5436-4f3c-810f-7ab3cf20591a/How Do Fish Breathe Underwater? The Curious Ways Creatures Breathe - Lesson 68: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0fc09da4-deab-42ce-9e57-2a2d5e9a2d8c/ 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/0764219782 Episode Links: Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Seahorse Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-male-seahorses-have-babies/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “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) “‘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) “Teach me to do what you want, because you are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 43:10 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode: Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish. Fish with cartilage instead of bones.Bony Fish: The largest fish category consisting of fish with bony skeletons.Hippocampus: Genus (category) of fish with seahorses.Pivot Feeding: A rapid way a seahorse catches food by quickly snapping their head and sucking in water like a tiny vacuum to pull in prey.Brood Pouch: A special pouch on a male seahorse where the female's eggs are placed. The male incubates the eggs inside the pouch until they are ready to hatch. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

    28 min
  2. Sticky Honey and a 194-Year-Old Turtle - Answering Curious Questions From Kids

    MAR 26

    Sticky Honey and a 194-Year-Old Turtle - Answering Curious Questions From Kids

    Why are arctic foxes white? What makes honey sticky? How many candles would the oldest turtle have on its birthday cake? Today we’re answering questions sent in by curious kids! A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Master Books! Grow in faith, wonder, and wisdom with trusted books, curriculum, and resources: https://www.masterbooks.com/ Lessons mentioned in this episode: Can Bees Dance? Lesson 35: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/98aedf4a-bc84-4346-9278-cb70a9cf238f/How Hot is the Sun? Lesson 112: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a8b48d2c-aa2c-46d9-a224-3c34a07fc1ff/Lesson 31: What Is The Difference Between A Turtle And Tortoise? https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dccb26a1-9dde-498f-8d6d-573f1478e243/Lesson 55: What Color Is a Polar Bear? https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a3b88247-2cd8-46c3-81fa-502bc421ecfb/ This podcast contains paid sponsor ads.

    15 min
  3. How Is Sea Glass Made? Lesson 120

    MAR 24

    How Is Sea Glass Made? Lesson 120

    Maybe you have found sea glass on a beach, but where does sea glass come from? Is sea glass natural? Discover how God designed sand to make glass, and how beautiful sea glass reminds us God is writing amazing stories in our lives. Here’s our trail map: How Is Sea Glass Made?How Does Sand Make Glass?How Does Sea Glass Tell Stories?How Does God Write Our Stories? Related Lessons to listen to next: How Is A Pearl Made? Exploring Seashells and Mollusks - Lesson 46: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/61f83e79-70ab-4daa-a3ff-f8f3b0b2d681/What Is Lava Made Of? Lesson 88: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b7d70399-b50e-47e4-b257-a18a6cce297d/ 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/0764219782 Episode Links: General Science 2: Survey of Geology & Archaeology (Curriculum Pack): https://www.masterbooks.com/general-science-2-curriculum-packExplore 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/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Sea Glass Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-is-sea-glass-made/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” Psalm 107:2 (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) “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 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode: Sea Glass: Bits of broken glass that have been tumbled by ocean waves over many years. Waves and sand smooth the glass and give it a frosty look.Weathering: When rocks or minerals are slowly worn down by nature, like through water, wind, or chemicals.Sand: Bits of rocks or minerals that are 0.0625mm to 2mm in size.Volcanic Glass: A rock that forms when lava from a volcano cools so quickly that it doesn’t have time to grow many or any crystals. Also called obsidian and made mostly of silica.Fulgurite: A natural glassy tube made when lightning hits sand or a rock and the heat melts the silica.Redeem: To buy something back. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

    28 min
  4. Does a Woodpecker’s Tongue Wrap Around Its Brain? Lesson 119

    MAR 17

    Does a Woodpecker’s Tongue Wrap Around Its Brain? Lesson 119

    Is it true that a woodpecker’s tongue wraps around its brain? Discover the amazing ways God designed woodpeckers as avian acrobats and what they teach us about Jesus taking the impact of our sins. Here’s our trail map: Why Do Woodpeckers Peck On Trees?Does a Woodpecker’s Tongue Wrap Around Its Brain?Do Woodpeckers Hurt Trees?How Does God Shield Us From Harm? Related Lessons to listen to next: How Do Wood Duck Babies Survive a 60-Foot Fall? Lesson 53: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7df63827-a6cc-4e50-a3f2-4afee0e19933/Why Is Nature Musical?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/076641d2-bf3c-4eaf-b810-ef1f1b256e65/ 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/0764219782 Episode 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/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Woodpecker Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/does-a-woodpeckers-tongue-wrap-around-its-brain/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3 (NIV) “But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering and thought God was punishing him. But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him, and we are healed because of his wounds. We all have wandered away like sheep; each of us has gone his own way. But the Lord has put on him the punishment for all the evil we have done.” Isaiah 53:4-6 (NCV) “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) Terms Learned in This Episode: Cavity Nest: A nest inside a tree often made by a woodpecker.Drumming: Rapid pecking of a woodpecker to communicate with other nearby woodpeckers.Zygodactyl: A four-toed foot design with two facing forward and two facing backward, built for gripping.Hyoid Bone: A long bone wrapping around the woodpecker’s skull that allows its tongue to move in and out and stabilizes its brain.Capillary Action: When liquid climbs a surface because it sticks to itself. Some but not all sources used for research (*additional information from some sources may present conflicting worldviews) https://answersingenesis.org/birds/what-we-knew-about-woodpeckerhttps://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/hole-story-how-woodpeckers-make-homes-forest/https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-recognize-woodpeckers-by-their-drumming-sounds/ This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. Credits: Woodpecker sound credit: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Sap sucker video clip: Paul Danese, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    28 min
  5. Why Do Sawfish Have a Saw? Lesson 118

    MAR 10

    Why Do Sawfish Have a Saw? Lesson 118

    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/0764219782 Episode 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/ask Further Research: An excellent article on sawfish by Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com/en/articles/wonderfully-designed-sawfish Scriptures 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.

    28 min
  6. Do All Kangaroos Have Pouches? Lesson 117

    MAR 3

    Do All Kangaroos Have Pouches? Lesson 117

    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/0764219782 Episode 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/ask Scriptures 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.

    27 min
  7. Bear Scat and Flying Flamingos - Answering Curious Questions From Kids

    FEB 26

    Bear Scat and Flying Flamingos - Answering Curious Questions From Kids

    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.

    17 min
  8. Why Do Dung Beetles Roll Piles of Poop? Lesson 116

    FEB 24

    Why Do Dung Beetles Roll Piles of Poop? Lesson 116

    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/0764219782 Episode 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/ask Scriptures 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 Wonders This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

    30 min
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Join Master Naturalist, Bible teacher and author Eryn Lynum as we explore God's wild and wonderful world! What can a bird's migration teach us about God's guidance in our life? How can counting tree rings help us understand our life story? How can a milkweed plant help us cut off toxic thoughts and think about everything lovely and true? God's wild and wonderful world is full of amazing life lessons. As we get outside and adventure through creation, we'll discover how deep and wide the Father's love is for us! Each episode of The Nat Theo Nature Lessons podcast teaches God's truth through visuals in nature. Nat = Natural, Theo = Theology. Where kids dive into the study of Natural Theology—discovering God through nature!

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