Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Have you ever heard of a fish that can walk across dry land and even rockclimb? Meet the catfish: a mysterious bottom dweller full of shocking surprises. Discover a 600-pound monster catfish, a tiny catfish with rock climbing skills, and what’s up with a catfish’s whiskers. Learn how these fascinating creatures navigate murky waters and how we can find our way in life when the path ahead isn’t clear.
Here’s our trail map:
How Big Can a Catfish Grow?
Can Catfish Rockclimb?
Why Do Catfish Have Whiskers?
How Can We Navigate Murky Waters in Life?

Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-catfish-have-whiskers/

Related Lessons to Listen to Next:
Why Do Salmon Swim Upstream?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/100ea2de-129d-4109-8f2a-2ad963c50a8c/
What Makes Electric Eels So Shocking?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/782bf286-5c1f-4eb7-973a-5914e204f8c4/

Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonder
Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
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:
Discover God’s designs in catfish and other water creatures with Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/
Explore all of Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Free Catfish Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-catfish-have-whiskers/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God…” 2 Peter 1:3a (NCV)

“But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you.” James 1:5 (NCV)

“Your word is like a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (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)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Siluriformes: The order or category of fish that are commonly called catfish. They do not have scales. Instead, they have smooth skin or hard armored plates. Many have whisker-like sensors on their face.
Arborescent Organ: A specialized, tree-like breathing organ that allows some fish, such as walking catfish, to take oxygen from the air.
Barbels: Whisker-like feelers around a catfish’s mouth that help it sense its surroundings and find food, especially in dark or muddy water.
Chemoreceptors: Special cells that detect chemicals, helping an animal taste or smell things in its surroundings.
Olfactory Rosettes: Folded, ribbonlike structures inside a catfish’s nose that are covered in smell sensors to help it detect scents in the water.
Weberian Apparatus: A set of tiny bones in some fish that connects the swim bladder to the inner ear so sound vibrations can be heard better.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Skunks have a stinky reputation, but if we can learn to look past the stink, we can see how God designed these marvelous mammals and why they’re very important in creation. Discover the chemistry of a skunk’s stinky spray and how they can help us care for outcasts and “the least of these.”
Here’s our trail map:
What Is a Skunk?
Why Do Skunks Spray?
Why Did God Make Skunks?
How Can We Care For The “Least of These”?

Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-skunks-spray/

Learn About Other Animals With Unfortunate Reputations:
Why Are Foxes So Sneaky?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/938d10c7-f28a-496b-a48a-e288b1a9f4d7/
Are Bats Blind?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/56235373-ab56-4920-aeaf-29af9b2f2a7a/
Why Are Bats Great Gardeners?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e2851257-6ed1-477e-bd47-2321e54de717/
Why Did God Make Mosquitoes?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f5ee174c-95fa-42ea-a703-f47dcf3ffffd/

Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonder
Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
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 trusted Biblically-based books, curriculum ,and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Free Skunk Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-skunks-spray/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“...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 16:7b (NCV)
“‘I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
Then the good people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’
Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:35-40 (NCV)
“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Musteloidea: A large group (superfamily) of mammals that includes skunks, weasels, mink, and otters; many members of this group have scent glands.
Mephitidae: The skunk family—a group of mammals known for producing a powerful, smelly spray for defense.
Gland: A part of the body that produces and releases something the body needs or uses.
Thiol: A chemical compound made of two hydrogen and sulfur.
Sulfur: A naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, living things, and many chemicals.
Biological Control: A living thing that helps control (or reduce) another living thing that could cause problems.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

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

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: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-dragonflies-fly-backward/

Related Lessons to listen to next:
Why Does a Fly Rub Its Hands Together?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/04b01308-808a-47ff-8fd0-61caa5113c8e/

Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonder
Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
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:
Children’s Atlas of God’s World by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/childrens-atlas-hardback-single
Passport to the World by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/passport-to-the-world-hardback-single
A Child’s Geography Series by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/a-childs-geography-series
Flying Creatures Course by Apologia: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-1-course-set/
Explore all of Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Free Dragonfly Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-dragonflies-fly-backward/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

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)

“Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord;
those who obey his orders have good understanding.
He should be praised forever.” Psalm 111:10 (NCV)

“Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Odonata: The order or group of insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies.
Mandible: Strong, jaw-like mouthpart that an insect uses to bite, cut, or chew food.
Compound Eye: An eye made of many tiny lenses working together.
Ommatidia: Tiny sections of a compound eye, each with its own lens that helps the insect see.
Ocelli: Simple eyes on an insect’s head that mainly help detect light, darkness, and changes in brightness.
Labium: A dragonfly nymph's lower jaw that shoots out as a weapon to catch prey.
Direct Flight Muscle: A muscle that is attached to one wing and moves just that wing.
Leading-edge Vortex: A small, spinning swirl of air (like a tiny tornado) made at the front edge of a wing that gives an insect extra lift to stay in the air.
Wisdom: Knowing what is right and true, and using that understanding to do good.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

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-nudibranchs-and-sea-slugs-the-same-thing/

Related Lessons to listen to next:
Why Are Slugs Slimy?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/535e6982-0693-4eac-af6a-239e5a9438d9/
Is a Snail Born With a Shell?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/062f10aa-c4b2-4d23-939b-f695e5c0c409/

Eryn's Books:
Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonder
Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
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:
Discover God’s designs in nudibranchs and other ocean creatures with Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/
Explore all of Apologia’s award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Free Sea Slug Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/are-nudibranchs-and-sea-slugs-the-same-thing/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“Look at the sea, so big and wide, with creatures large and small that cannot be counted.” Psalm 104:25 (NCV)
“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)
“Good people bring good things out of the good they stored in their hearts. But evil people bring evil things out of the evil they stored in their hearts. People speak the things that are in their hearts.” Luke 6:45 (NCV)
“Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Mollusk: A phylum (category) of animals that have soft bodies and no bones (invertebrates). Some have shells for protection.
Gastropod: The animal class or category that includes snails and slugs.
Nudibranch: A specific type of sea slug, often brightly colored, that has no external shell as an adult.
Cerata: The fingerlike spikes on aeolid nudibranchs’ backs that help them breathe and protect themselves.
Rhinophores: The antenna or horn-like appendages on a nudibranch’s head that help it sense food, other nudibranchs, and anything else around it.
Benthic Animals: Animals that scoot, scurry, hop, or otherwise move around on the bottom of a body of water instead of swimming.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.