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.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. 

What makes alligators and crocodiles different—and what can their powerful jaws teach us about our words? Join us as we explore God’s design in these amazing creatures and uncover a surprising connection between reptiles, the food chain, and the Bible.

Here’s our trail map:

• How Are Alligators and Crocodiles Different?
• How Do Alligators and Crocodiles Swallow Their Prey?
• How Do Alligators and Crocodiles Care for Their Babies?
• How Do Our Mouths Bring Death or Life?

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:

• Explore Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Alligator Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/alligators-vs-crocodiles/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.” Ephesians 4:29 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Reptiles: A group of cold-blooded animals that have backbones, dry, scaly skin, and usually lay soft-shelled eggs on land.
• Cold-blooded: A cold-blooded animal relies on its environment, or the conditions around it, to stay cool or warm. They cannot keep their own bodies warm like humans and warm-blooded animals can. 
• Crocodilia: An order (smaller category) of reptiles including alligators and crocodiles, caiman, and gharial.
• Apex Predator: Animals at the top of the food chain. No other animals hunt or eat them. They are the biggest and strongest hunters in their environment.
• Palatel Valve: A special flap at the back of an alligator or crocodile’s throat that seals off their airway when eating, so water does not go into their lungs or respiratory system.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. 

Meet one of the cutest creatures God made—the pika! This tiny mountain mammal lives high up in the tundra and teaches us big lessons about preparing for hard seasons so we can live and thrive in God’s plans and purposes.

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Pika?
• What Is Life Like on the Tundra?
• Why Do Pika Pick Flowers?
• How Can We Store Up What We Need for Hard Times?

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:

• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Explore Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Pika Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/american-pika/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

“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)

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong…” Hebrews 6:19a (NCV)

“But I have hope

    when I think of this:

The Lord’s love never ends;

    his mercies never stop.

They are new every morning;

    Lord, your loyalty is great.” Lamentations 3:21-23 (NCV)

“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 5:5 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Lagomorphs: A group of animals that includes rabbits, hares, and pikas. They look like rodents but have four front teeth instead of two.
• Tundra: A cold, treeless place where the ground stays frozen most of the year. Only small plants grow, and certain animals God designed to live in such a harsh ecosystem.
• Talus: A slope of broken rocks at the base of a cliff or mountain that provides shelter for animals.
• Haying: When an animal gathers and dries plants to store and eat later.

One of the resources used for numbers in this episode: https://californiasciencecenter.org/funlab/ever-wonder/2023-09-13/how-pikas-can-survive-extreme-conditions-with-johanna-varner

A resource used for information on the pika cuteness factor: “The Pika Book That Will be Good for My Mom’s Podcast” By Will Lynum.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

What do shark fins, magnet-powered cells, animal bruises, fur, octopus moms, and owl necks all have in common? They’re questions curious kids like you asked—and we’re answering them in this special episode.

These questions came from young listeners just like you. Each one leads us to discover more about the amazing ways God designed nature.

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 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

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

This podcast includes paid advertisements.

It seems impossible to watch an otter and not smile. God designed river and sea otters in amazing and playful ways. Join biologist Jill Smith and Eryn Lynum as we discover what makes otters so amazing!

Here’s our trail map:

• What is the difference between a sea otter and a river otter?
• How is a sea otter like a pool noodle?
• How do otters help protect God's creation?
• Why do otters make great parents?
• How can we stay safe through a healthy community?

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:

• Jill Smith’s Website, Nature Education Cards, and Book, Nature Unveiled: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learner
• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Save 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Otter Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/river-otter-vs-sea-otter/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (NCV)

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10  (NLT)

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Mustelidae: The animal family that includes otters, weasels, ferrets, badgers, and wolverines.
• Semi-aquatic: An animal that lives partly on land and partly in water.
• Holdfast: The root-like part of kelp that anchors it to rocks on the ocean floor, keeping it from floating away.
• Sea Otter Raft: A group of sea otters floating together on the water’s surface, often holding paws to stay connected.
• Community: A group of people (or animals) who live, work, or spend time together and help each other.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. 

Platypuses have been called the strangest animal on earth, but is it true? Discover this amazing creature with its duck-like bill, beaver-like tail, otter-like webbed feet, reptile-like claws, snake-like venom, and that lays eggs like a turtle!

Here’s our trail map:

• Why Does a Platypus Lay Eggs?
• How Is a Platypus Venomous?
• Why Do Platypus Have a Bill?
• What Does Scripture Say About Being Different?

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:

• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Save 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Platypus Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-does-a-platypus-lay-eggs/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
• A great book for learning about God’s designs in creature: God Made Animals by Generations Ministries

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“How many are your works, Lord!

    In wisdom you made them all;

    the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

“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 have given them your teaching. And the world has hated them, because they don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to keep them safe from the Evil One. They don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world.” John 17:14-16 (NCV)

“Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.” Romans 15:7 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Mammal: A group of animals that have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, have a backbone, (most) have live births, and feed their babies with milk from their bodies.
• Monotremes: A small group (order) of mammals that lay eggs instead of having live births. Monotremes include the duck-billed platypus and four types of echidnas.
• Platypus Spur: A spike on the insides of a male platypus’s ankles that injects venom into an opponent.
• Crural Gland: A pocket inside the male platypus’s thigh that, during mating season, produces venom that the male platypus injects through the spur on its ankle when battling other male platypuses. 
• Carnivore: A creature that only eats meat from other creatures, not plants.
• Mechanoreceptors: Tiny sensors on a platypus’s bill that help it feel movement and pressure changes under the water.
• Electroreceptors: Tiny sensors on a platypus’s bill that help it feel electrical charges from nearby creatures.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. 

Explore the world of lava—what it is, where it comes from, and how God uses volcanoes to show His incredible power and unshakeable love! 

Here’s our trail map:

• What is Lava Made Of?
• How Are Igneous Rocks Made?
• How Does a Volcano Erupt?
• How Do Volcanos Point to God’s Power?

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 Apologia’s award-winning curriculum through August 31, 2025! https://www.apologia.com/
• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Lava Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/what-is-lava-made-of/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“The mountains shake in front of him,

    and the hills melt….” Nahum 1:5a (NCV)

“The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,

    before the Lord of all the earth.” Psalm 97:5 (NCV)

“...on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.” Genesis 7:11 (NIV)

“Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky. The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down.” Genesis 8:2-3 (NIV)

“You clothed the earth with floods of water,

    water that covered even the mountains.

At your command, the water fled;

    at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away.

Mountains rose and valleys sank

    to the levels you decreed.” Psalm 104:6-8 (NLT)

“‘The mountains may disappear,

    and the hills may come to an end,

but my love will never disappear;

    my promise of peace will not come to an end,’

    says the Lord who shows mercy to you.” Isaiah 54:10 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Lava: A natural material that has come out of a volcano and can cool down and harden into rock.
• Magma: Hot, melted rock that is deep underground.
• Igneous Rock: A rock that is made by lava cooling down and hardening into a rock.
• Elements: The basic building blocks that everything in nature is made of.
• Intrusive Igneous Rock: Rock that forms while still Inside the earth or underground, when magma cools slowly. Because it cools slowly, it grows big crystals you can often see.
• Extrusive Igneous Rock: Rock that forms after magma has exited a volcano or come out of the earth or underground, when lava cools quickly. Because it cools fast, it has tiny or no crystals, so the rock might feel smooth or glassy.
• Volcanic Glass: Special kinds of extrusive igneous rock that forms when lava cools very fast, so fast that it doesn’t have time to grow any crystals. That’s why it looks shiny and smooth, almost like glass!
• Volcanic Eruption: When a volcano explodes or spills out hot lava, ash, and gases from deep underground.
• Effusive Eruption: A gentler volcanic eruption when hot lava spills over and flows out of the volcano.
• Explosive Eruption: A dramatic and violent volcanic eruption causing hot lava, rock fragments, and ash to quickly explode out of a volcano.
• Sovereignty: Supreme power and authority.

Some (but not all) sources used for Genesis flood research:

• https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/psalm-104-flood-or-day-three-of-creation-week
• https://answersingenesis.org/geology/mount-st-helens/i-got-excited-at-mount-st-helens
• The Genesis Flood: The Biblical Record and its Scientific Implications, John C Whitcomb and Henry M Morris

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. 

What do you get when you mix the colors of a peacock, the eyes of a chameleon, the punch of a boxer, and the shell of a crab? Meet the Peacock Mantis Shrimp—a creature so unique, scientists are studying it to understand how to design cars, airplanes, and armor!

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Mantis Shrimp?
• Can the Mantis Shrimp Punch Through a Glass Aquarium?
• How Does the Mantis Shrimp See Its Underwater World?
• Are There Things in This World We Cannot See?

Episode Links:

• FREE Activity Guide and Bonus Video for this lesson!: https://nattheo.myflodesk.com/x6uw96zq8y
• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Save 25% on Apologia’s award-winning curriculum through August 31, 2025! https://www.apologia.com/
• Order Eryn’s book: 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
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Mantis Shrimp Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/mantis-shrimp-punch/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
• 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:

“How many are your works, Lord!

    In wisdom you made them all;

    the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

“Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers, authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ.” Colossians 1:16 (NCV)

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Crustacean: An animal with a hard shell on the outside, jointed legs, and no bones inside. Most but not all live in water.
• Stomatopod: A category (order) of crustaceans commonly called the mantis shrimps. They live in ocean waters, commonly in coral reef areas. They are aggressive and are carnivorous, meaning they eat other creatures.
• Cavitation: A process where the mantis shrimp creates a bubble by the power of its punch that collapses, causing a shockwave of incredible force including sound, light, and heat that stuns or kills prey.
• Dactyl Club: Front appendages on a mantis shrimp made of three layers of materials to be strong and lightweight.
• Biomimicry: When people study designs in nature to create better products and technology, using inspiration from nature.
• Compound Eye: An eye made of many, many tiny lenses working together.

Some Resources and Sources from this lesson:

By Design: Evidence for Nature’s Intelligent Designer—The God of the Bible, Dr Jonathan Sarfati: https://usstore.creation.com/product/2419-by-design-2024-book

Wonders of the Ocean Realm: Sherri Selligson: https://www.amazon.com/Wonders-Ocean-Realm-Marvels-Wild/dp/1496486463

Dark matter and energy:

• Believing is Seeing, Michael Guillen, PhD, Former ABC News Science Editor: https://www.amazon.com/Believing-Seeing-Physicist-Shattered-Necessity/dp/1496455584
• https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/dark-matter/en/#:~:text=The%20Short%20Answer:,than%205%25%20of%20the%20universe.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. 

Do you have a nature collection? Have you ever had or held a fossil? David Rives of David Rives Ministries joins us to share his adventures in fossil finding and how his collection turned into one of the largest creation science museums!

Episode Links:

• David Rives Ministries: https://davidrivesministries.org/
• Creation Club Magazine: https://davidrivesministries.org/magazine/
• Wonders Center & Science Museum: https://wonderscenter.org/
• Order Eryn’s book: 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
• Join the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• 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

This podcast contains paid advertisements.

With its folded front legs and watchful eyes, the praying mantis looks like it's deep in prayer—but is it really? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the mantis: from its amazing hunting skills and five incredible eyes, to whether female mantises really eat their mates. Along the way, we'll discover how even the strangest creatures in nature reflect the creativity of our amazing God—and how creation itself can teach us to worship Him.

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Praying Mantis?
• Is the Praying Mantis Really Praying?
• How Does a Praying Mantis Hunt?
• Do Female Praying Mantises Eat Their Mates?
• How Does Creation Worship God?

Episode Links:

• Get 10% off with code NatTheo10 and enjoy a FREE week of the Flourish Family Bible Curriculum: https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/pages/free-week-of-flourish
• Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Order Eryn’s book: 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
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Praying Mantis Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/praying-mantis-facts/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
• 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:

“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 ask the animals, and they will teach you,

    or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.

Speak to the earth, and it will teach you,

    or let the fish of the sea tell you.

Every one of these knows

    that the hand of the Lord has done this.

The life of every creature

    and the breath of all people are in God’s hand.” Job 12:7-10 (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)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Mantodea: An order, like a category, of insects that have long bodies, long folded front arms, and triangular heads. They are known for their unique and efficient hunting strategies.
• Mantis Religiosa: A specific species of insect in the mantodea order. It’s the one we often think of when we think about the praying mantis.
• Raptorial Forelegs: The praying mantis’s front legs that are strong and spiky, made for grabbing and holding onto prey—like built-in prey-catching tools!
• Ambush Predator: A creature that stays very still and waits quietly for its prey to come close, then quickly jumps out to catch it—like a surprise attack.
• Compound Eye: A special kind of eye made of many tiny lenses that help insects like the praying mantis see movement and what’s around them.
• Psuedopupil: A dark spot you see on some insect eyes, like a praying mantis or a fly. It looks like a real pupil, but it’s not. It’s caused by how light is absorbed and reflected.
• Ocelli: Tiny simple eyes on top of a praying mantis’s and other insect’s heads that help them sense light and dark.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.