Is a Giant Panda actually a bear? Discover the amazing ways God designed the Giant Panda to live, thrive, and munch on an amazing amount of bamboo each day!

Here’s our trail map:

• Is a Panda Really a Bear?
• Do Pandas Only Eat Bamboo?
• Why Are Panda Babies So Tiny and Pink?
• How Can We Practice Depending on 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 for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
• Save 25% on The Origin Series by The Science Dilemma: https://sciencedilemma.samcart.com/referral/JOMTEcvo/o7DCTN842btBrX9h
• Listen to The Science Dilemma Podcast: https://www.thesciencedilemma.com/podcast
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Panda Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/are-pandas-really-bears/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.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)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

“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)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Ursidae: The bear family including the giant panda, sun bear, sloth bear, spectacled bear, American black bear, Asiatic black bear, brown bear (including grizzly and Kodiak), cave bear, and the polar bear.
• Sesamoid: A long piece of wrist bone that creates a false thumb, like a sixth finger, in a panda’s paw that they use for grasping and holding.
• DNA: The code inside the tiny cells that build all living things in nature.
• Bamboo: A type of very tall,

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...

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo...

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...

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...

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...

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