Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

What would you do if you left Earth expecting to be gone for 8 days… and didn’t come home for 9½ months? Today on Nat Theo, astronaut Captain Wilmore tells us what happened when five thrusters failed as his spacecraft approached the International Space Station—and how his faith gave him peace and contentment when the mission changed completely. Captain Wilmore also answers space travel questions from kids on this very special episode!

Episode Links:
Captain Wilmore’s website: https://www.butchwilmore.com/
Stuck in Space book: https://www.butchwilmore.com/stuck-in-space-book

Sponsor Link:
Enjoy half off CTCMath!: https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=NPT

Explore Our Bible & Nature Curriculum and Resources: 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

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Have you ever looked up at a stunning night sky and wondered, “What is a star?” Discover what stars are made of, how big they are, what happens when a star explodes, and how God created stars to help humans and creatures on Earth.
Here’s our trail map:
Why Do Stars Twinkle?
What Is a Black Hole?
What Are Star Constellations?
How Can We Find Our Way Through God’s Word?

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

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/

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:
Big Book of Earth & Sky (with chart): https://www.masterbooks.com/big-book-of-earth-sky-panel
God's Design for Heaven & Earth Set: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-heaven-earth-set-mb-edition
Astronomy books from a Biblical worldview: https://www.masterbooks.com/apologetics/astronomy
Books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.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
Free Star Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-stars-twinkle/
Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
“The sky was made at the Lord’s command.
By the breath from his mouth, he made all the stars.” Psalm 33:6 (NCV)

“He counts the stars
and names each one.” Psalm 147:4 (NCV)

“Lord, your word is everlasting;
it continues forever in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 (NCV)

“When you look up at the sky, you see the sun, moon, and stars, and everything in the sky. But don’t bow down and worship them, because the Lord your God has made these things for all people everywhere.” Deuteronomy 4:19 (NCV)

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

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

“The Lord says, ‘I will make you wise and show you where to go.
I will guide you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:
Star: ​​A huge, glowing ball of hot gas in space that gives off its own light and heat.
Light-year: The distance light travels in one year.
Black Hole: A place in space where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape—not even light. Black holes can be caused by exploding stars.
Constellation: An official area of the night sky. Astronomers have divided the sky into 88 official constellations.
Asterism: A familiar star shape or pattern that people notice in the sky, but it is not always an official constellation.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

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.

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.

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.