Waddle Like a Penguin
By: Andrea Pierce and Erin McGarry
"Emperor Penguin chick with parents"
KidZone Penguin Photos. Retrieved October 31, 2005 from
http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/photos3.htm
Introduction: Do all birds fly? Have you ever seen a bird that can swim? Well penguins cannot fly, but they do swim! There are many species of penguins. Each different penguin type shares the same basic looks, but they also have many differences. Would you like to learn more about these cute birds? Today you are going to complete this Treasure Hunt to help you learn more about penguins and other animals!
Questions:
1. Scan the links below. What questions do you have about penguins, when you look at these sites? Write down at least two questions or things you notice. These links will be hidden in the questions below. When you see an underlined word click on that word to take you to the important link.
2. Name the continents where penguins are found. Based on the picture, why do you think that the penguins only live on these continents?
3. What are the basic characteristics of penguins? How do these characteristics help them to survive in their environment?
4. How many species of penguins are there in the world?
5. Can you name five types of penguins? Do these names relate to what the penguins or how they act?
6. Imagine how big or how small a penguin can be, write down what you think. Now look at this site and see if your ideas were right!
7. Since penguins can swim, does that mean they can breathe under water? Based on what you already know about mammals, why can/cannot penguins breathe under water?
8. How does a penguin's tongue help them eat?
9. Do penguins have predators? If so what are they? What are some ways that you think humans can be predators to penguins?
10. Who takes care of the baby penguins and how?
11. What is a penguin's behavior? Are penguins nice animals or are they mean?
Putting it Together:
Did you learn a lot about penguins?
Were you beginning questions answered through viewing these sites?
Do you have any more questions?
Now that you have learned so much about penguins, imagine that you are an explorer traveling in Antarctica and you have come across a new species of penguins! Based on what you have learned from this Treasure Hunt, what would your new species look like? What would they eat? How big would they be? How many total penguin species would this make? (Hint look at your answer for question 4) Write down all of your thoughts and ideas for this new penguin in a letter home to a friend, mom or dad, or sibling, and make sure that your answers make sense with everything you have learned today. Have fun exploring!
"Map of penguins" Penguins of the World. Retrieved October 31, 2005 from
http://www.penguins.cl/penguins-region.htm
"Penguins" Clip Art. Retrieved November 1, 2005 from Microsoft Clip Art