Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Have you ever seen a shooting star? These bright flashes of light across the night sky may have “star” in their name, but they are not a star at all! Unlock the mysteries of meteors and discover how God made us with curious minds to discover and marvel at all he’s made—both on Earth and in space!
Here’s our trail map:
What Is a Comet?
What Is a Shooting Star?
How Is a Meteor Different From a Meteorite?
Why Does God Place Mysteries in Nature?

This lesson’s Activity Guide is free for everyone! Download it here: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/what-is-a-shooting-star/

Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Hot Is the Sun? Lesson 112: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a8b48d2c-aa2c-46d9-a224-3c34a07fc1ff/
Why Does the Moon Change Shape? Lesson 139: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c94554ef-f476-4802-b897-6bebe66eceeb/
What Is Earth's Atmosphere For?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/be61b270-5a47-4fd0-ae15-d140867738aa/

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:
Exploring Creation with Astronomy: https://www.apologia.com/shop/astronomy-course-set
Save 25% during Apologia’s sitewide summer sale through August 31, 2026: https://www.apologia.com/
Homeschool simply, inexpensively, and enjoyably with the Homeschool Made Simple podcast: homeschoolmadesimple.net
“Nature Study Made Simple” with Eryn Lynum on the Homeschool Made Simple podcast: https://homeschoolmadesimple.net/nature-study-made-simple-episode-252/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
This lesson’s Activity Guide is free for everyone! Download it here: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/what-is-a-shooting-star/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.” Proverbs 3:19 (NLT)
“God is honored for what he keeps secret.
Kings are honored for what they can discover.” Proverbs 25:2 (NCV)
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Comet: A natural object in space made from rock, dust, and ice.
Aphelion: The point in an object’s orbit when it is farthest from the Sun.
Perihelion: The point in an object’s orbit when it is closest to the Sun.
Sublimation: When a solid changes straight into a gas without becoming a liquid first.
Coma: A bright cloud of dust and gas surrounding and trailing after a comet’s center.
Earth’s Atmosphere: The layer of gasses that protects Earth from the sun’s harsh rays and from debris in space.
Sporadic Meteor: A random meteor that does not belong to a known meteor shower.
Meteor Shower: When many meteors appear in the sky around the same time as Earth travels through a comet’s dusty path.
Meteorite: A piece of space rock or metal that survives the trip through Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the ground.
Ablate: To wear away or burn away from the surface.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.
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

What snack would you bring on a mission to the moon? What would you leave on the moon to show you were there? Discover God’s marvelous mysteries of the moon and what they teach us about the Gospel from today's guest, Levi Lusko.

Levi Lusko’s Links:
Marvel at the Moon (for kids) Scroll down for curriculum downloads: https://levilusko.com/marvel-at-the-moon
Last Supper on the Moon (for adults): https://levilusko.com/the-last-supper-on-the-moon
Levi Lusko’s website: https://levilusko.com/

Episode Links:
God’s Design for Heaven & Earth: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-heaven-earth-set-mb-edition
Wonders of creation: Design in a Fallen World: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creation
Explore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/

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

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.
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

What would happen if you jumped on the moon’s surface? Why does the moon change shape? How does the moon help Earth’s oceans? Discover the big plans God had in mind when he made the moon!
Here’s our trail map:
What Is the Moon?
Why Does the Moon Change Shape?
Does The Moon Have Gravity?
Why Did God Make the Moon?

Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-does-the-moon-change-shape/

Related Lessons to listen to next:
How Hot Is the Sun? Lesson 112: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a8b48d2c-aa2c-46d9-a224-3c34a07fc1ff/
What Is Earth's Atmosphere For?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/be61b270-5a47-4fd0-ae15-d140867738aa/

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:
Exploring Creation with Astronomy: https://www.apologia.com/shop/astronomy-course-set
Save 25% during Apologia’s sitewide summer sale through August 31, 2026: 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 Moon Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-does-the-moon-change-shape/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“So God made the two large lights. He made the brighter light to rule the day and made the smaller light to rule the night. He also made the stars.” Genesis 1:16 (NCV)

“God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NCV)

“You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NCV)

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the sky to separate day from night. These lights will be used for signs, seasons, days, and years.’” Genesis 1:14 (NCV)

“So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NCV)

“But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:14-15a (NIV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Satellite: An object that moves in a curved path around a larger object in space.
Artificial Satellite: A machine people build and send into space to travel around Earth or another object.
Natural Satellite: An object in space that travels around a larger object and was not made by people.
Orbit: The path one object takes as it moves around another object in space.
Moon Phases: The changing shapes of the moon as seen from Earth.
Gravity: An invisible pull between things that have mass.
Ocean Tides: The regular rise and fall of ocean water on the shores each day.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.
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

Hippos may look round, slow, and almost cuddly—but these “river horses” are full of surprises. Discover why hippos sink rather than swim and have epic battles with each other. Learn how God designed hippos to survive using a mysterious built-in skin ointment.

Here’s our trail map:
Can Hippos Swim?
How Strong Is a Hippo’s Bite?
Do Hippos Sweat Blood?
How Can We Have Thick Skin and a Soft Heart?

Download this lesson’s free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-hippos-swim/

Related Lessons to listen to next:
Why Do Elephants Squeak? Lesson 80: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/880f710e-9de5-4d1b-a7fe-87f2d0b493e2/
Charging Rhinos and Playful Wombats - Nature Filmmaking With Dr. Gordon Wilson: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bcce1aa1-3346-451f-845f-ee734e0ad4df/

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:
Marvels of Creation Book Set by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-pack
Dinosaur Books by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/apologetics/dinosaurs
Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/member
Explore Our Bible & Nature Curriculum and Resources: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
Free Hippo Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-hippos-swim/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“The wise are patient;
they will be honored if they ignore insults.” Proverbs 19:11 (NCV)
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other… Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.” Romans 12:9-10, 14 (NLT)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Territorial: When an animal protects the place where it lives, rests, eats, or raises its babies.
Hippo Gaping: When two male hippos stand face to face with mouths opened wide in preparation to battle.
Blood Sweat: Red, oily liquid that comes out of a hippo’s skin to protect it.
Pachyderm: An old word for a “thick-skinned” animal.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.
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

Have you ever wondered how fish poop? Or why do flamingos balance on one leg while sleeping? Speaking of sleep…do bees sleep at night? In this episode we’re answering curious questions sent in by listeners!
A special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Master Books! Grow in faith, wonder, and wisdom with books, curriculum, and resources from a Biblical worldview with Master Books at https://www.masterbooks.com/
And CTCMath, an online math program for grades K-12. Catch up, keep up, or get ahead with CTCMath’s effective and flexible curriculum. Enjoy half off CTCMath: https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=NPT
Join the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/club
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

Lessons mentioned in this episode:
Can Bees Dance? With Beekeeper Jenny - Episode 35: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/98aedf4a-bc84-4346-9278-cb70a9cf238f/
What Can We Learn From A Whale’s Earwax?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2b66a76f-e37d-4a46-8393-04082dce78d3/

This podcast contains paid sponsor ads.
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