How do birds sing such pretty songs? God designed them with an amazing and unique voice box. Meet a few interesting species and hear their incredible melodies as we dive into the musical world of birds.

 Here’s our trail map:

• Why Do Birds Communicate?
• How Do Birds Communicate?
• How Do Birds Sing?
• How Can We Praise Our Creator?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Scripture Music by Scripture Lullabies, stream online now: https://scripture-lullabies.com/stream

Free Bird Song Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo33

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

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/0825447615

Listen To The Birds book: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Birds-Yoann-Gueny/dp/1324031034

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord and praise his name; every day tell how he saves us.” Psalm 96:1-2 (NCV)

“Let the skies rejoice and the earth be glad; let the sea and everything in it shout. Let the fields and everything in them rejoice. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.” Psalm 96:11-12 (NCV)

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 105:6 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Communicate: To exchange or share information, news, or ideas. 

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.

Complex: Something that is made up of many parts. The opposite of simple.

Larynx: Voice box with vocal cords (muscles) used to make noise.

Syrinx: A bird’s voice box. An organ deep inside a songbird’s chest containing a double set of vocal cords.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

What exactly is a sloth? Is it a type of monkey, or a koala? Discover how God designed these fascinating creatures to be expert tree climbers and to live most of their lives upside down.

 Here’s our trail map:

• What is a sloth and what types are there?
• What do sloths do all day?
• Why do sloths hang upside down?
• How can moving slowly be good for us in life?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Free Sloth Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo32

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

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/0825447615

Sloth research: https://slothconservation.org/

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14 (NIV)

“Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.” Psalm 90:12 (NCV)

“Remember your Creator while you are young.” Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Xenarthra: A group of mammals including sloths, anteaters, and armadillos.

Bradypus sloth: A 3-toed sloth, darker brown and gray with dark face markings like a mask.

Choloepus sloth: a 2-toed sloth, light brown and orange color with a snout like a pig.

Warm-blooded: Animals that keep a warm and consistent body temperature that mostly does not depend on their environment.

Digestion: The processes in a body of breaking down food and turning it into energy.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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/

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

Free Turtle & Tortoises Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo31

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/0825447615

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“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.

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:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?
• How does a solar eclipse reveal God?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Free Solar Eclipse Activity Guide: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo30

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/0825447615

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“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) 

“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

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

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

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?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

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/0825447615

Download the Hints of New Life Scavenger Hunt and Devotional: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo27

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“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)

“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:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

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

Free Geology Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo26

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

If You Find A Rock Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Find-Rock-Peggy-Christian/dp/0152063544

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/0825447615

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“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

“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: Substances God 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:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

Get 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/0825447615

Free Smart Birds Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo25

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

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)

Clark’s Nutcracker information: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Clarks_Nutcracker/overview

Owl whistle story from What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman 

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:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?

Resources Mentioned and used for Research:

What do you want to learn about on Nat Theo? Share your episode ideas on the form at Erynlynum.com/nattheo

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/0825447615

Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo24

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

Lambda and Universe Vital Signs information are form Michael Guillen, PhD, Believing Is Seeing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-take-over-the-world/id1333158713?i=1000632146187

Carnivorous Plants Article: https://answersingenesis.org/biology/plants/carnivorous-plants/

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:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

Did you know bears don’t hibernate? But what is it called when they take a long, sleepy nap in winter? We’re exploring four fascinating ways God designed creatures to rest and why rest is important for us, too!

Here’s our trail map:

• What is hibernation?
• What is a bear’s winter nap called?
• What are four ways God designed animals to rest?
• Why is rest important for us?

Resources:

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/0825447615

Free Nature's Rest Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo23

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClub

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“So the sky, the earth, and all that filled them were finished. By the seventh day God finished the work he had been doing, so he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day, because on that day he rested from all the work he had done in creating the world.” Genesis 2:1-3

“...The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world. He does not become tired or need to rest…” Isaiah 40:28

“This is what the Lord commanded, because tomorrow is the Sabbath, the Lord’s holy day of rest.” Exodus 16:23

“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Hibernation: When an animal goes into a dormant, sleepy state and its metabolism slows, heart rate slows, and body temperature lowers.

Metabolism: A chemical process in a body that changes food into energy.

Denning: A bear’s winter nap. Similar to hibernation, but they only lower their body temperature by about ten degrees. (Also called Ursid hibernation or carnivore lethargy)

Estivation: Like winter hibernation but happens during the summer.

Torpor: Similar to hibernation but only lasts a few hours. Like a small, daily hibernation

​​Circadian rhythm: Circadian means “around a day.” Circadian rhythm is our internal clock that helps us know what time it is.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo