The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. Psalm 111:2

To complete your homework, read the scriptures and assigned online articles and answer the associated questions.

Instructions

Before you begin reading your Bible and answering these questions, ask the Lord to give you insight and understanding into the Scriptures.  It is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to people (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10).  By His power you will be able to understand what the Scriptures say. Now read the assigned passages of scripture and answer the following questions.  Please note that it is recommended that you use either a NKJV or NIV version of the Bible to answer the questions. If you do not have a Bible, links to each Scripture passage are provided for you.

Scripture Passage:  Psalm 24:1-2

  1. According to the Bible, who owns the world? (verse 1)

  2. Why does God have the rights to the world, to do all that He pleases? (verse 2)

  3. Read Genesis 2:15.  What was Adam’s role and responsibilities to be in relationship to the earth?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 8:1-9

  1. According to this passage of scripture, what position has God given man in Creation? (verses 5 and 6)

  2. What should be our appropriate response to this truth? (verse 9)

Scripture Passage: Genesis 1:27-31

  1. What does God give Adam and Eve permission to do? (verses 28-30)

  2. Read Deuteronomy 8:7-9.  Does the Lord give the Israelites permission to use the earth’s resources? 

  3. Based on these scriptures, what should be our appropriate and God-honoring response to His Creation?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 145:8-9

  1. Summarize this passage of Scripture in your own words. Write it down in your notes.

  2. What are some of the characteristics of God described in this passage of Scripture?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 103:11

  1. Summarize this Bible verse in your own words. Write it down in your notes.

  2. What are some of the characteristics of God described in this passage of Scripture?

Instructions

Read the following online article and write down any key points of the article that you would like to discuss in our next class.

FINDING INSPIRATION IN CREATION

After reading the article, answer the following questions. Be sure to write your answers down on a piece of paper and bring them to class.

Questions:

  1. What is one indicator of Jesus Christ's imminent return?

  2. Why is it ironic that secular scientists often look to God's Creation for design inspiration?

  3. What truth is confirmed by the fact that we find biological processes more advanced in Creation than current man-made technologies?

  4. How did the mantis shrimp, limpet and horseshoe crab inspire technological and medical innovations?

Instructions: Vocabulary 

The following words are mentioned in your assigned reading. Research the definitions for each of the words and write down their meaning to ensure that you understand the information included in your assigned reading. 

  • Ambient

  • Dermal Denticles

  • Downwelling

  • Dorsoventrally Flattened

  • El Niño Southern Oscillation

  • Fusiform

  • La Niña Southern Oscillation

  • Oceanic Gyre

  • Osmoregulation

  • Pinniped

  • Solute

  • Solvent

  • Tesserae

  • Upwelling

Instructions 

Go to each of the assigned web sites to read and take notes on the appropriate article. Links are provided below.  For each of the assigned articles, your notes should include the following points:

  • Provide a summary of the key points of the article. If you had to give a presentation on the article, what information would you include in your notes?

  • List concepts or information that you found most interesting about the topic.

  • List any information that was presented from an evolutionary standpoint. Note any portion of the information that is truth.

  • List any words or information that you do not understand. Research these words and or concepts on your own.

We will review this information in our class lecture and discussion.

1 | ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research

Article #1: An Adaptable Design
Article #2: Catch As Catch Can
Article #3: Sharks As Predators of Humans

2 | Marine Education Society of Australasia
Article: The Diversity of Sharks, Rays and Chimeras (This article includes discussions on sharks as well as rays and chimeras. Your assignment is to read only the pages pertaining to shark diversity (pages 1 – 3).)

3 | Shark Savers
Article: How Bull Sharks Can Live in Both Ocean and Fresh Water

4| Ocearch

Visit the Ocearch Shark Tracker. Select three different sharks and view their ocean migration patterns then answer the following questions for each of the sharks you chose:

  1. What is the name and size of the shark you selected?

  2. What species is your shark?

  3. How mature is your shark (i.e. juvenile, sub-adult or adult)?

  4. How far has the shark traveled, according to the tracking device?

  5. What was the date and location of its most recent tracker ping?

Instructions

Go to each of the assigned web sites to watch the video provided. Take notes on the key points of each video. Document the highlighted features or behaviors of the animal species as applicable.

  1. Great White Shark Vs. Killer Whale: Who is the Apex Predator? | WildCiencias (Time: 10:04)

  2. 333 Nina Salerosa | Joe Romeiro (Time: 3:48)
    How is this diver able to manipulate the sharks in this way?

  3. Air Jaws: Walking with Great Whites | Discovery UK (Time: 1:30)

  4. Hawaii Diver Swims With Record Breaking Largest Great White Shark | Today (Time: 5:43)

  5. Spinner Sharks in Florida: Fun Facts You Should Know | TC Palm (Time: 0:52)

Here are a few species of sharks that we see locally in South Florida. Click on the image to learn more about each shark species.

Now it is time to apply what you've learned! In Romans 1:20, the Bible says that we can learn about God’s character by looking at what He made. Consider both the biblical and biological information that was discussed in this lesson and then write out your answers to the following questions.

  • This week we read Scriptures describing God as merciful.  How can you see this character of God in the sharks that He created?

  • Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of sharks that God made.  Think about one aspect of these animals that you enjoy.  Tell God about it by writing it out on paper. Then write out a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord praising Him for His Creation.