Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible
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, ax...
Do Salamanders Rain From the Sky?
You've probably heard the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs!" But what about raining salamanders? Believe it or not, scientists once had a very strange idea about where salamanders came from. Discover this surprising—and slightly silly—piece of science history in a special reading by Eryn Lynum.
Order a signed copy of Made to Marvel: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/Marvel
Save money and get a free gift when you bundle both of Eryn's new books! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle
Do Salamanders Rain From the Sky?
You've probably heard the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs!" But what about raining salamanders? Believe it or not, scientists once had a very strange idea about where salamanders came from. Discover this surprising—and slightly silly—piece of science history in a special reading by Eryn Lynum.
Order a signed copy of Made to Marvel: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/Marvel
Save money and get a free gift when you bundle both of Eryn's new books! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle
Can Dragonflies Fly Backward? Lesson 150
Dragonflies are marvels of engineering. These expert stunt flyers can wow us with their sharp turns, hovering, and aerodynamic acrobatics. They are often called the greatest flyers of the insect world, and for good reasons. Discover how God designed dragonflies for expert flight, and how God is the very first—and very best—engineer.
Here’s our trail map:
Why Do Dragonflies Have Huge Eyes?Why Do Baby Dragonflies Live Underwater?Can Dragonflies Fly Backward?How Can We See God’s Engineering In Dragonflies?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: htt...
How Do Sea Slugs Steal Stings? Lesson 149
Gliding across ocean floors are one of the most colorful creatures on earth: nudibranchs, or a type of vibrant sea slug. These fancy slugs have a surprisingly toxic diet. Discover how nudibranchs don’t only eat stinging jellyfish, but store up those stings and use them when they need to!
Here’s our trail map:
Is a Sea Slug a Real Slug?Why Are Nudibranchs So Colorful?How Do Nudibranchs Steal Stings?How Can We Store Up Good Things Instead of Toxins?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/are-nu...
Do Armadillos Carry Leprosy? Lesson 148
Meet an animal that only ever gives birth to identical quadruplets: the nine-banded armadillo! Discover how God engineered armadillos with built-in armor and what they can teach us about God’s grace in a world with diseases.
Here’s our trail map:
Why Does an Armadillo Have a Shell?Are Armadillos Born With a Shell?Do Armadillos Carry Leprosy?Why Is There Disease in the World?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/do-armadillos-carry-leprosy/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
Can a Honey...Where Wonder Leads - A Special Reading by Eryn
What does it mean to "follow where wonder leads?" Join Willow and her cousin, Casper, as they begin their adventure amongst redwood trees and discover treasure in the forest. This is a special reading by Eryn Lynum of her brand-new children's book, Where Wonder Leads.
Order a signed copy of Where Wonder Leads: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/Wonder
Save money and get a free gift when you bundle both of Eryn's new books! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore common creatures and plants in Made to Marvel
...
Is a Toadstool Mushroom Poisonous? Lesson 147
Toadstool mushrooms pop up in fairy tales and folklore and often come with a warning: “Don’t touch!” But are toadstools poisonous? And why do they appear like magic after rain? Unravel the marvels of mushrooms and discover how they appear not by magic but by design.
Here’s our trail map:
Why Do Mushrooms Appear After Rain?How Do Mushrooms Spread?Are Toadstool Mushrooms Poisonous?How Do Mushrooms Remind Us That God is Always Near?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-mushrooms-appear-after-rain/
Related Lessons to...
Is the Frilled Lizard a Real Dragon? Lesson 146
The frilled lizard is often called a dragon, but did God make real dragons? Does this curious reptile that runs on two legs and climbs trees actually spit venom? Discover how this lizard’s crazy neck collar reminds us of Gideon’s army in the Bible and encourages us to be mighty warriors.
Here’s our trail map:
Is the Frilled Lizard a Real Dragon?Are Frilled Lizards Venomous?Why Does a Frilled Lizard Have a Frill?How Does a Frilled Lizard Remind Us of Gideon’s Army?Download this lesson’s free color...
Wait…Strawberries Aren’t Really Berries?! Answering Nature Questions From Kids
From the surprising truth about strawberries to color-changing leaves, slow turtles, stinging wasps, the massive sun, and ant homes, this episode is packed with curious questions and surprising answers that showcase God's wisdom and glory.
Order Eryn’s new books! Bundle and receive free stickers and a hand-written note from Eryn! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle
Explore Our Bible & Nature Curriculum and Resources: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/WonderMade to Marvel: 52 Family De...How Do Redwood Trees Grow So Tall? Lesson 145
How does a redwood tree grow to be taller than the Statue of Liberty? Discover the secrets of how the tallest tree in the world grows without toppling over, and what surprising creatures live at the top of a redwood tree.
Here’s our trail map:
What Is the Difference Between a Redwood and Sequoia Tree?How Do Redwood Trees Grow So Tall?What Lives In a Redwood Tree?How Do Redwood Trees Help Us Practice Hospitality?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-do-redwood-trees-grow-so-tall/
Rela...
Are Bald Eagles Really Bald? Lesson 144
What does it mean to have “eagle eyes”? Discover how God designed fuzzy baby eagles to grow five times in size during their first week after hatching, and how God helps us grow in faith.
Here’s our trail map:
Are Bald Eagles Bald?Are Bald Eagles Born With White Heads?How Far Can a Bald Eagle See?How Does God Help Us Grow Up?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/are-bald-eagles-really-bald/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Fast Is a Peregrine Falcon...How Do Cheetahs Run So Fast? Lesson 143
How did God engineer cheetahs for super speed? Discover how a cheetah’s bendy backbone, super boost muscles, balancing tail, and cleat-like feet help it snag its next meal on the savannah. And learn how we are called to run life’s race well—not with super speed, but with enduring faithfulness.
Here’s our trail map:
Can Cheetahs Roar?Why Do Cheetahs Have Spots?How Do Cheetahs Run So Fast?How Can We Run Life’s Race Well?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-cheetahs-roar/
Related...
What Is the Aurora Borealis? Lesson 142
Have you ever seen bright colors dancing across the night sky? What causes auroras, or the “Northern Lights”? Discover how God’s brilliant design of Earth’s atmosphere protects us from solar wind while creating a dazzling light show for us to marvel at.
Here’s our trail map:
What Is Solar Wind?How Does Solar Wind Make the Auroras?Why Are Auroras Different Colors?How Can God Bring Beauty From Life’s Storms?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/what-is-the-aurora-borealis/
Related Lessons to lis...
What’s It Like to Be Stuck in Space? Astronaut Wilmore Answers Space Questions From Kids
What would you do if you left Earth expecting to be gone for 8 days… and didn’t come home for 9½ months? Today on Nat Theo, astronaut Captain Wilmore tells us what happened when five thrusters failed as his spacecraft approached the International Space Station—and how his faith gave him peace and contentment when the mission changed completely. Captain Wilmore also answers space travel questions from kids on this very special episode!
Episode Links:
Captain Wilmore’s website: https://www.butchwilmore.com/Stuck in Space book: https://www.butchwilmore.com/stuck-in-space-bookSponsor...
Why Do Stars Twinkle? Lesson 141
Have you ever looked up at a stunning night sky and wondered, “What is a star?” Discover what stars are made of, how big they are, what happens when a star explodes, and how God created stars to help humans and creatures on Earth.
Here’s our trail map:
Why Do Stars Twinkle?What Is a Black Hole?What Are Star Constellations? How Can We Find Our Way Through God’s Word?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-stars-twinkle/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
H...What Is a Shooting Star? Lesson 140
Have you ever seen a shooting star? These bright flashes of light across the night sky may have “star” in their name, but they are not a star at all! Unlock the mysteries of meteors and discover how God made us with curious minds to discover and marvel at all he’s made—both on Earth and in space!
Here’s our trail map:
What Is a Comet?What Is a Shooting Star?How Is a Meteor Different From a Meteorite?Why Does God Place Mysteries in Nature?This lesson’s Activity Guide is fre...
Did You Know There's a Bible on the Moon? With Levi Lusko
What snack would you bring on a mission to the moon? What would you leave on the moon to show you were there? Discover God’s marvelous mysteries of the moon and what they teach us about the Gospel from today's guest, Levi Lusko.
Levi Lusko’s Links:
Marvel at the Moon (for kids) Scroll down for curriculum downloads: https://levilusko.com/marvel-at-the-moonLast Supper on the Moon (for adults): https://levilusko.com/the-last-supper-on-the-moonLevi Lusko’s website: https://levilusko.com/Episode Links:
God’s Design for Heaven & Earth: https://www.masterbo...Why Does the Moon Change Shape? Lesson 139
What would happen if you jumped on the moon’s surface? Why does the moon change shape? How does the moon help Earth’s oceans? Discover the big plans God had in mind when he made the moon!
Here’s our trail map:
What Is the Moon?Why Does the Moon Change Shape?Does The Moon Have Gravity?Why Did God Make the Moon?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-does-the-moon-change-shape/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Hot Is the Sun? Lesson 112: https...How Strong Is a Hippo’s Bite? Lesson 138
Hippos may look round, slow, and almost cuddly—but these “river horses” are full of surprises. Discover why hippos sink rather than swim and have epic battles with each other. Learn how God designed hippos to survive using a mysterious built-in skin ointment.
Here’s our trail map:
Can Hippos Swim?How Strong Is a Hippo’s Bite?Do Hippos Sweat Blood?How Can We Have Thick Skin and a Soft Heart?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-hippos-swim/
Related Lessons to listen to ne...
How Do Fish Poop? Answering Nature Questions From Kids
Have you ever wondered how fish poop? Or why do flamingos balance on one leg while sleeping? Speaking of sleep…do bees sleep at night? In this episode we’re answering curious questions sent in by listeners!
A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Master Books! Grow in faith, wonder, and wisdom with books, curriculum, and resources from a Biblical worldview with Master Books at https://www.masterbooks.com/
And CTCMath, an online math program for grades K-12. Catch up, keep up, or get ahead with CTCMath’s effective and flexible curriculum. Enjoy half off CTCM...
Why Is a Peacock Dressed So Fancy? Lesson 137
Why is a peacock more beautiful than it needs to be? Because God makes marvelous things to delight us! Discover why “extravagant beauty” is not a problem for science when we understand that every beautiful thing—including shimmering blue and green peacocks—reflect the glory of our Maker.
Here’s our trail map:
What Kind of Bird Is a Peacock?Why Do Peacocks Shake Their Tails?Why Is a Peacock Dressed So Fancy?Why Did God Make Beautiful Things?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-is-a-peacock-so-fancy/
Related...
Can a Honey Badger Eat a Venomous Cobra? Lesson 136
Honey badgers hold a reputation as the most fearless animal on earth, but what makes them brave enough to attack a bee hive or eat a venomous cobra? Discover how God engineered this fierce and tough underground animal to find honey and fight off lions.
Here’s our trail map:
What Is a Honey Badger?Does A Bird Help Honey Badgers Find Honey?Can a Honey Badger Eat a Venomous Cobra?How Does God Help Us Face Our Fears?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-a-honey-badger-eat-a-venomous-cobra/
Do Scorpions Glow in the Dark? Lesson 135
How are baby scorpions born, and do they glow in the dark? Discover God’s designs in these mysterious arachnids and how they remind us that Jesus defeated the sting of death.
Here’s our trail map:
What Is a Scorpion?Do Scorpions Glow in the Dark?Why Do Scorpions Sting?How Did Jesus Defeat the Sting of Death?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/do-scorpions-glow-in-the-dark/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
Why Do Jumping Spiders Jump? Lesson 127: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6a1b9f0...How Does a Frog Ribbit? Lesson 134
Do frogs actually have long tongues? And do they really ribbit? We’re unveiling the truth behind some froggy myths and discovering God’s designs in these amazing jumpers!
Here’s our trail map:
How Do Frogs Hop?How Long Is a Frog’s Tongue?How Do Frogs Ribbit?How Does Singing Worship Bless God and Us?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-long-is-a-frogs-tongue/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Do Tadpoles Turn Into Toads? Lesson 78: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e80566db-d48a-48...Why Do Stick Bugs Look Like Sticks? Answering Nature Questions From Kids
Have you ever been tricked by an insect that looked like a stick? Why do lions roar? Do fish need air to live? We’re answering nature questions sent in by listeners!
A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Master Books! Grow in faith, wonder, and wisdom with books, curriculum, and resources from a Biblical worldview with Master Books at https://www.masterbooks.com/
Join the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://then...Why Does a Fly Rub Its Hands Together? Lesson 133
Is there anything good about a housefly as it’s buzzing around a picnic table or stealing bits of watermelon? Discover the fascinating secret lives of houseflies and how they showcase God’s wisdom and creativity.
Here’s our trail map:
Where Do Flies Come From?How Do Flies Dodge Fly Swatters?Why Do Flies Rub Their Hands Together?How Can We Keep Our Heart Clean?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-flies-rub-their-hands-together/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
Why Did God Make Mosquito...How Fast Is a Peregrine Falcon? Lesson 132
How does the fastest animal on earth dive through the sky at 200 miles per hour? Discover how God engineered a peregrine falcon with super speed, and what this wandering bird teaches us about our journey through life.
Here’s our trail map:
How Fast Is a Peregrine Falcon?Where Do Peregrine Falcons Live?Are Peregrine Falcons Endangered?How Are We Pilgrims On Earth?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-fast-is-a-peregrine-falcon/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Do Birds Fly? Episode 20: https://player.capt...Why Do Salmon Swim Upstream? Lesson 131
How do salmon journey from a freshwater river to the saltwater ocean? And after years at sea, how do they find their way home to the exact river where they hatched? Discover how God designed salmon just right for their incredible adventure.
Here’s our trail map:
Where Do Salmon Live?How Do Salmon Live In Both Fresh and Salt Water?Why Do Salmon Swim Upstream?Where Is Our True Home?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-salmon-swim-upstream/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
Ho...How Many Worms Can a Star-nosed Mole Eat? Lesson 130
Why does the star-nosed mole have such a funny looking nose? And how did God design moles for their underground lives? Uncover the mysteries of moles as we burrow beneath the soil and discover God’s plans and purposes.
Here’s our trail map:
What Is a Star-nosed Mole?Why Do Moles Dig Tunnels?How Many Worms Can a Mole Eat?What Should We Store Up for the Future?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-moles-dig-tunnels/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Do Pra...Why Is a Bird's Poop White? Answering Nature Questions From Kids
What causes waves? How do sloths not fall out of trees? Why is a sunset splashed in beautiful colors? And what makes a bird’s poop white? We are following our God-given curiosity and discovering answers to nature questions sent in by listeners.
A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Apologia! Discover God’s fingerprints in creation with their award-winning science curriculum and courses at Apologia.com
Join the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonder...Why Did God Make Mosquitoes? Lesson 129
Why in the world did God make mosquitoes? Let’s look past the itch and glimpse God’s good designs and purpose in an insect with a biteful reputation.
Here’s our trail map:
How Are Mosquitoes Born?Why Do Mosquitoes Suck Blood?Why Did God Make Mosquitoes?How Do Mosquitoes Show Us God’s Goodness?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-did-god-make-mosquitoes/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Do Water Striders Walk On Water? Lesson 69: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ce7200f3-9322-46...Can Rainbows Happen at Night? Lesson 128
Can rainbows appear in the night sky? Discover how God uses light and water to make rainbows, and explore the many places—and even times of day—we might see them. Learn how the rainbow’s full circle reminds us that God’s promises have no end, appearing after storms and even in the night.
Here’s our trail map:
What Makes a Rainbow?Why Is a Rainbow Curved?Where Do Rainbows Appear in Nature?How Do Rainbows Remind Us of God’s Promises?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheo...
Why Do Jumping Spiders Jump? Lesson 127
Whatever your feelings are toward spiders, jumping spiders may be the cutest! But do jumping spiders bite or have venom? And what’s the secret to their super-power jumps?
Here’s our trail map:
Is a Jumping Spider a Bug?Do Jumping Spiders Bite?Why Do Jumping Spiders Jump?How Can We Learn From Our Mistakes?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-jumping-spiders-jump/
Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Do Spiders Make Webs? Episode 38: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/51a0e526-d77f-46bf...Pray Through The Wild Wonders of Psalm 8 - With the Truth Seekers Podcast
“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1a
Listen to the Truth Seekers Podcast: https://www.christianparenting.org/podcast/truth-seekers/
Psalm 8 shares the wild wonders of God’s creation while declaring praise to our Creator. We’re sharing an episode from the Truth Seekers podcast. Sherilyn Grant walks us through Psalm 8 and how to pray through it.
Truth Seekers: Bible Stories for Kids, is a biblically based podcast designed for young minds eager to explore the wonders of the Bible! Join host, Sherilyn Grant, to embark on an excit...
How Does a Sea Star Regrow an Arm? Lesson 126
Is a starfish a fish? How do sea stars regrow an arm? Do these cosmic-shaped sea creatures have eyes? Discover how God made sea stars unique and how their thousands of feet encourage us to walk in God’s path for us.
Here’s our trail map:
Is a Sea Star a Starfish?How Does a Sea Star Regrow an Arm?How Do Sea Stars Move?How Can We Walk in God’s Ways?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-does-a-sea-star-regrow-an-arm/
Related Lessons to listen t...
What Does It Mean to Magnify?
Join Magnify: https://nattheo.com/magnify
Includes live video classes with Eryn!
Grow in wisdom & wonder with faith-based nature study and journaling.
Don't wait! Start exploring today, begin creating your Nature Notebook, and get ready for our first live class!
Includes:
3 live classes with Master Naturalist, Eryn Lynum9 nature topics to exploreNature journaling promptsNature journaling template pagesWeekly devotionals for each topicTrusted recommended resources for each topicTrusted recommended books and field guides for each topic75 pages of contentFull family accessIdeal for ages 4-14*All resources are digital to be...Is a Shoebill a Stork? Lesson 125
Step into the marsh with one of the strangest (and coolest) birds on Earth: the shoebill—often called a “shoebill stork,” even though it’s not actually a stork! Discover how God designed these unique birds with their razor-sharp bills, massive feet, and piercing eyes, and what they teach us about being adopted into God’s family.
Here’s our trail map:
Is a Shoebill a Stork?Can a Shoebill Eat a Crocodile?How Are People Saving Shoebills from Extinction?How Has God Adopted Us?Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenat...
How Does Nature Inspire Great Stories? With S.D. Smith of the Green Ember Series
Adventure, challenge, heroes…and a whole lot of rabbits with swords! Author S.D. Smith shares how rabbits inspired the Green Ember books and how God’s creation serves as a canvas for our creativity, which leads to great stories.
S.D. Smith’s Website: https://store.storywarren.com/
The Green Ember Series: https://store.storywarren.com/products/green-ember-books-full-set
Brand-new! The Lost Key: https://store.storywarren.com/products/lostkey
A huge thanks to our sponsor, Master Books! Here are some of our favorites by Master Books:
Wonders of Creati...Why Does A Rabbit Wiggle Its Nose? Lesson 124
Why does a cottontail rabbit wiggle its nose? Does it have an itch or need to sneeze? Discover how all that nose wiggling helps them stay alive. Explore the amazing ways God designed cottontail rabbits to sense danger and make a quick getaway. Finally, learn how we can memorize pathways back to God’s safety and remain in his refuge.
Here’s our trail map:
Why Does A Rabbit Wiggle Its Nose?Do Rabbits Hibernate?How Do Rabbits Know Their Way to Safety?How Can We Run to God’s Protection?Download this lesson’s free c...
Why Do Owls Spit up Their Food? Answering Nature Questions From Kids
Why do cats nap all day? How do insects survive winter? What makes cheetahs so fast? We’re answering nature questions sent in by listeners!
Join the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
This episode is made possible by Apologia! Discover God’s fingerprints in creation with their award-winning science curriculum and courses at Apologia.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 Thro...