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.
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How Do Prairie Dogs Use A Secret Language? Episode 41
Season 1 · Episode 41
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 • Duration 28:29
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/
“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.
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
Why Are Bats Great Gardeners? Episode 40
Season 1 · Episode 40
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 • Duration 26:06
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/
What Is The Difference Between A Turtle And Tortoise? Episode 31
Season 1 · Episode 31
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • Duration 20:50
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/
“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.
What Is A Solar Eclipse? Episode 30
Season 1 · Episode 30
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 • Duration 24:02
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?
“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)
Creating Core Memories in Nature as a Family with Ginny Yurich - Parents Edition - Episode 29
Season 1 · Episode 29
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 • Duration 26:13
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/podcast
Find more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
Create a Nature Calendar of Firsts with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside - Kids Edition - Episode 28
Season 1 · Episode 28
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 • Duration 21:15
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/podcast
Find more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
How Is A Flower Born? Episode 27
Season 1 · Episode 27
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • Duration 22:16
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/
“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)
How Is A Geode Made? Episode 26
Season 1 · Episode 26
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 • Duration 23:34
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/giveaway
“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
Are Owls Wise? Exploring Bird Brains - Episode 25
Season 1 · Episode 25
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 • Duration 26:21
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 birds
What 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/
Smart 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)
Owl whistle story from What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
Are Venus Flytraps From Space And Why Do They Eat Flies? Episode 24
Season 1 · Episode 24
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 • Duration 24:26
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 insects
How 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/nattheo
“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: Wherea 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.
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
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
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
“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
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
“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
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
“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 16:7
Terms 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: SubstancesGod 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
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
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 night
Neocortex: 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 it, in many different places.
Knowledge: Gathering facts. It is learning by gaining new understanding and through experiences.
Wisdom: How we use our knowledge. What we do with all of those facts we are gathering. Involves our soul and eternal perspective.
Personification: When we write or talk about something that is not a human and give it human qualities.
Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
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 14:26
Terms 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 organisms
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.
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
Mentioned in this episode:
Download the FREE Meteor guide for this week's Lesson 140: What is a Shooting Star? And the Perseid Meteor shower: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/meteor
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