We see and use light every day, but have you ever wondered what is light? Why can we see colors? And how did God use light at the very beginning?We’re exploring how light travels in waves and photons, why objects bounce colors into our eyes, and even how creatures glow using living light (bioluminescence) and reflective light (biofluorescence). We’ll hear how in Genesis 1:1-5 God said, “Let there be light,” and see how that shines into our lives today. Get ready to discover the amazing science of light — and the One who IS the Light!

Here’s our trail map:

1. What Is Light?
2. How Do Colors Work?
3. Where Can We Find Light In Nature?
4. How Is God Light?

Eryn's Books:

1. 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
2. Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
3. 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

1. Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)
2. Discover all of Apologia’s curriculum and courses from a Biblical worldview: https://www.apologia.com/
3. Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God’s work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/
4. Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/member
5. Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
6. Free God Made Light Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-do-colors-work/

What is a water bear? And how does it survive space travel? Discover a microscopic animal that might be the toughest creature on earth: the tardigrade!

Here’s our trail map:

• If a Water Bear Isn’t a Bear, What Is It?
• How Does a Tardigrade Grow Up?
• How Is a Tardigrade the Toughest Animal on Earth?
• How Does God Help Us Endure Hard Things?

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:

• America’s Story: American History Homeschool Curriculum from a Biblical worldview: https://www.masterbooks.com/americas-story-series
• Explore all of Master Books Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources: https://www.masterbooks.com/
• Explore Apologia’s award-winning curriculum at 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 Water Bear Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/what-is-a-tardigrade/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
• An excellent video about tardigrades from Answers in Genesis (Used in researching this lesson): https://youtu.be/FcMPpXSAeV4?si=P8PeUmKY1a9ah8Sd

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)

“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)

“...the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises forever.

Spread your protection over them,

that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” Psalm 5:11 (NLT)

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:44...

In this listener favorite re-release episode, enjoy our family's favorite Christmas storybook, Why Christmas Tree's Aren't Perfect.

See our Ponderosa pine Christmas tree: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXP83NRggm/

Order your copy of Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Christmas-Trees-Arent-Perfect/dp/1501825836

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect was read and recorded with permission from Guideposts books.

Why do opossums play dead, and how tiny are their babies? Why does an opossum’s eyes glow at night? Discover God’s design in North America’s only marsupial, the opossum!

Here’s our trail map:

• Why Do Opossums Have Pouches?
• How Small Is an Opossum Baby?
• Why Does an Opossum Play Dead?
• Did Jesus Actually Die On the Cross, and Why?

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 and enjoy their 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/
• Marvels of Creation 3-book set by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-pack
• Explore all of Master Books Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources: https://www.masterbooks.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 Opossum Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-opossums-play-dead/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“But one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side, and at once blood and water came out.” John 19:34 (NCV)

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 (ESV)

“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NCV)

“Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 (NCV)

“But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger, because we have been made right with God by the blood of Christ’s death.” Romans 5:8-9 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Marsupial: A group of mammals that have very tiny babies which are born early and then crawl into a pouch on the mother’s belly to keep growing. Inside the pouch, the baby drinks milk and stays warm and safe.
• Nocturnal: Creatures that are mostly active at night.
• Tapetum Lucidum:...

Why do adult axolotls look young? And how exactly do axolotls regrow body parts? We are diving deep into axolotl DNA and discovering how God designed these magnificent and mysterious amphibians.

Here’s our trail map:

• Are There Still Axolotls in the Wild?
• How Do Axolotls Regrow Body Parts?
• Why Do Axolotls Never Grow Up?
• How Can We Grow Up In God?

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 and enjoy their 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/
• Explore dinosaur books for kids by Master Books:
• Dinosaurs for Kids: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-for-kids-hardback-single
• Dinosaurs by Design: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-by-design
• Dinosaurs of Eden: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-of-eden-revised-hardback-single
• Master Books Dinosaur Bundle: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaur-basket
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Axolotl Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-does-an-axolotl-regrow-body-parts/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Some but not all resources used in research:

• Axolotl populations in the wild: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/1095/53947343#population
• Axolotl mRNA regeneration: https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2023/07/how-an-ultra-sensitive-on-off-switch-helps-axolotls-regrow-limbs.html#:~:text=Further%20experiments%20showed%20that%20axolotl,protein%20synthesis%20occurred%20during%20regeneration. (*mentions...

Why do giraffes have spots, and do those spots serve a purpose? Why are giraffes so tall, and do they get dizzy when they stand up? And how does being the tallest land animal help keep themselves and other animals on the savanna safe? Discover God’s amazing design in giraffes and how they show us excellent engineering in nature.

Here’s our trail map:

• Does a Giraffe Get Dizzy?
• What Do Giraffes Teach Us About Engineering?
• Why Do Giraffes Have Spots?
• How Are Giraffes Like a Watchman?

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:

• Apologia’s Zoology 3 Land Animals Course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-3-course-set/
• Explore all of Apologia’s Zoology courses: https://www.apologia.com/subject/science/zoology
• Discover Apologia’s Christ-centered and award-winning curriculum: 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 Giraffe Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/what-is-special-about-a-giraffes-heart/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

because you made all things.

Everything existed and was made,

because you wanted it.” Revelation 4:11 (NCV)

“How many are your works, Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

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

“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 (NCV)

“Human, I now make you a watchman for Israel. Any time you hear a word from my mouth, warn them for me.” Ezekiel 3:17 (NCV)

“If the Lord doesn’t build the house,

the builders are working for nothing.

If the Lord doesn’t guard the city,

the guards are watching for nothing.”

How do wild horses find food and stay warm in winter? Discover God’s designs in domestic and wild horses. Uncover the secrets to their strength and how horse power points us to the much greater power of our Creator.

Here’s our trail map:

• How Did God Design Horses to be Strong?
• Did God Make Horses to Help Humans?
• How Do Wild Horses Stay Warm?
• Should People Trust In Horses?

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:

• Support Nat Theo: https://erynlynum.com/give
• 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://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Horse Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-do-wild-horses-stay-warm-in-winter/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Job, are you the one who gives the horse its strength

or puts a flowing mane on its neck?

Do you make the horse jump like a locust?

It scares people with its proud snorting.

It paws wildly, enjoying its strength,

and charges into battle.

It laughs at fear and is afraid of nothing;

it does not run away from the sword.” Job 39:19-22 (NCV)

“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image and likeness. And let them rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the tame animals, over all the earth, and over all the small crawling animals on the earth.’

So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, “Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on...

What is it like in the Nat Theo studio? Are there monkeys swinging around, tanks of exotic fish, or fancy lighting? We're going behind the scenes and sharing what it's like (and what it takes) to make Nat Theo happen. We are also sharing an exciting goal for 2026 and inviting you on the adventure! Finally, we are answering questions from curious listeners.

Give a one-time or monthly gift. Every gift goes directly toward producing Nat Theo and reaching more families in 2026: https://erynlynum.com/give

Please note: Nat Theo is not set up as a non-profit and gifts are not tax-deductible.