Have you ever seen an insect scurry across the top of water? How does a water strider, fishing spider, basilisk lizard, and grebe move across water without sinking beneath it? And how did Jesus walk on water in Matthew 14?

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is A Water Strider?
• What Is Water Surface Tension?
• How Do Water Striders Walk On Water?
• Do Other Creatures Walk On Water?
• How Did Jesus Walk On Water?

Episode Links:

Order Eryn’s book: 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

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 Strider Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-do-water-striders-walk-on-water/

Try CTCMath’s simple and effective math lessons: https://ctcmath.com/

Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Listen to the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast: https://podcast.schoolhouserocked.com/

Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

A great article on water striders: 

https://www.nps.gov/articles/pecies-spotlight-water-strider.htm#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20pond%20skaters,more%20hydrophobic%20than%20duck%20feathers.

A great article on basilisk lizards and Jesus walking on water: https://thewell.intervarsity.org/reflections/jesus-and-basilisk-lizard

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’

But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’” Matthew 14:24-27 (NLT)

“Peter said, ‘Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.’

Jesus said, ‘Come.’

And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, ‘Lord, save me!’

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, ‘Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?’”  Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Hydrogen Bonding: Water’s ability to stick to itself. Water molecules are made from two hydrogen atoms with a slightly positive charge and one oxygen atom with a slightly negative charge. These positive and negative charges make a water molecule act like a magnet, sticking to other water molecules.

Water Surface Tension: An invisible shield on top of the water created by many, many water molecules sticking together through hydrogen bonding. This shield creates a tightly packed layer of water that resists external forces.

Microsetae: Hair-like structures covering a water strider’s legs that repel (push away) water.

Hydrophobic: Something that is hydrophobic presses away from water and does not mix well with it.

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