Penguin Adaptations and Habitats

8th GradeScience30 min

Learning Objective

I can compare and contrast the adaptations of different penguin species to their habitats.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

Emperor penguins | The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth | BBC Earth

BBC Earth

Guided Notes

6 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • After four months of fasting, male emperor penguins can produce a protein-rich secretion to feed their newly hatched chicks, but it's barely enough to keep them alive for a week.

  • Female emperor penguins reappear with magically accurate timing after 2 months of fishing, allowing the chick to feed properly and consume 100 kilos of food over the next 5 months.

  • Emperor penguins can toboggan as a faster mode of transport than walking, and both males and females will take turns going fishing, traveling thousands of mm in search of food.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Describe two adaptations mentioned in the video that help emperor penguins survive in their environment.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts

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