What Is the Difference Between Flying and Gliding for an Animal?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is the difference between flying and gliding for an animal?

The Big Idea

Some animals fly and some animals glide. They are not the same thing. Let's see the difference!

Flyers

Step one: flyers. A flying animal flaps its wings to make its own lift and thrust, so it can climb. Birds, bats, and insects fly.

Gliders

Step two: gliders. A gliding animal spreads its body or skin wings and glides down from a high place at a gentle slope. It does not flap to gain height.

Who Glides

Step three: who glides. Flying squirrels, flying lizards, and some frogs glide. Some gliding frogs have webbed feet that act as parachutes.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Birds flap to climb. Bats flap to climb. Squirrels glide down. Frogs glide down too.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some gliding frogs have webbed feet that act as parachutes. Flying squirrels only glide. Flying lizards glide on skin wings. Insects really fly.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Toss a paper plane. Then pretend to flap a paper bird toy. Compare which can climb. Which only slides down? Share your results with someone you love.

Outro

Flying animals flap to climb, while gliding animals spread their bodies and slide down on the air. Gliding is falling with style! Which ones flap and which ones glide in your neighborhood? Gliding is clever, but only flapping lets an animal climb higher. Science is amazing! Stay curious! There is always more to discover, and you are a great science explorer! Keep your eyes open, because science is hiding in the things you see every day. Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!