Penguins

Summary
This is an introductory lesson about penguins and their characteristics.

Objectives
• to describe and discuss penguins and their characteristics;

• to identify the ways in which penguins keep warm;

• to describe and discuss the environment and habitat of penguins;

• to briefly describe the breeding and hatching process of penguins.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

Excerpt
Penguins belong to the animal order called Sphenisciformes and to the family of Spheniscidae. Penguins are birds with black and white feathers. Some even have orange colored feathers. Although they do not have the ability to fly, they are great swimmers and divers. They can swim on the surface of the water and under it. They can hold their breath under water for about 20 minutes, and they leap out of the water to get air while swimming.

The wings of penguins, though not used for flying, are essential for swimming as they act like flippers. In addition, penguins are shaped like a torpedo, which allows them to be very efficient when swimming and diving. Their average speed in the water is around 15 miles per hour. On land, penguins waddle. To move quickly, they also slide on their bellies through ice and snow. This is known as ?tobogganing.?

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