Show Notes
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. Mentioned in this episode: Explore common creatures and plants in Made to Marvel Order a signed copy of Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
Bundle both of Eryn's new books: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle
More from Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible
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?
Meet an animal that only ever gives birth to identical quadruplets: the nine-banded armadillo! Discover how God engineered armadillos with built-in armor and what they can teach us about God’s grace in a world with diseases.
What does it mean to "follow where wonder leads?" Join Willow and her cousin, Casper, as they begin their adventure amongst redwood trees and discover treasure in the forest. This is a special reading by Eryn Lynum of her brand-new children's book, Where Wonder Leads. Order a signed copy of Where Wonder Leads: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/Wonder Save money and get a free gift when you bundle both of Eryn's new books! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/bundle Mentioned in this episode: Explore common creatures and plants in Made to Marvel Order a signed copy of Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvel
Toadstool mushrooms pop up in fairy tales and folklore and often come with a warning: “Don’t touch!” But are toadstools poisonous? And why do they appear like magic after rain? Unravel the marvels of mushrooms and discover how they appear not by magic but by design. Here’s our trail map: Why Do Mushrooms Appear After Rain? How Do Mushrooms Spread? Are Toadstool Mushrooms Poisonous? How Do Mushrooms Remind Us That God is Always Near?
The frilled lizard is often called a dragon, but did God make real dragons? Does this curious reptile that runs on two legs and climbs trees actually spit venom? Discover how this lizard’s crazy neck collar reminds us of Gideon’s army in the Bible and encourages us to be mighty warriors. Here’s our trail map: Is the Frilled Lizard a Real Dragon? Are Frilled Lizards Venomous? Why Does a Frilled Lizard Have a Frill? How Does a Frilled Lizard Remind Us of Gideon’s Army?