Have you ever wondered how snails have babies, if they're born with shells, or why snails are so slimy? Discover God’s amazing designs in these little creatures that are probably crawling around your yard right now!

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Snail?
• Is a Snail Born With a Shell?
• Why Do Snails Make Slime?
• How Does God Help Us Have a Shield of Protection?

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/0825448891
• Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
• 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

• Save 25% on the Origin of Life Series by The Science Dilemma. Use code NAT25: https://sciencedilemma.mysamcart.com/nat-theo/
• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Marine Biology Trips by Evidence 4 Faith: https://evidence4faith.org/marine-biology/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Snail Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/are-snails-born-with-shells/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“So God made the wild animals, the tame animals, and all the small crawling animals to produce more of their own kind. God saw that this was good.” Genesis 1:25 (NCV)

“So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.” Genesis 1:27 (NCV)

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:3 (NLT)

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NCV)

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless…” Psalm 101:3 (ESV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Invertebrate: A group of animals that don’t have a backbone.
• Mantle: A special organ God designed many creatures with that is sometimes used to create a shell.
• Calcium Carbonate: A mineral or material from nature found in things like animal shells, egg shells, chalk, and limestone.
• Hermaphrodite: A creature with both female and male parts in its body.
• Snail Foot: The big, flat, soft part on the bottom of its body that it uses to move around on.
• Suprapedal Gland: A gland at the front of a snail’s foot that creates mucus.
• Snail Mucus: A thick, slippery fluid made mostly of water, proteins, and special sugars.
• Epiphragm: A protective shield a snail creates to keep itself safe. It uses its mucus and, in some species, calcium carbonate, to form a solid barrier at its shell’s opening. 
• Pneumostome: A small opening on the side of a snail’s body that lets air in, over the lungs, and out.

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