How Wings Help Animals Fly

About this printable How Wings Help Animals Fly science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 3-5)

This engaging 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to the concept of wings as external structures that enable flight in various animals. Aligned with NGSS 4-LS1-1 and the Disciplinary Core Idea LS1.A, the passage explains how bird wings use feathers to push air downward and create lift, how bat wings are made of stretched skin over finger bones, and how insect wings are thin and lightweight. Students also discover that not all wings are used for flying—penguins use their wings as flippers for swimming, and ostriches use wings for balance while running. The passage uses simple, grade-appropriate language and real-world examples to build foundational understanding of animal structures and their functions. Audio integration supports diverse learners by providing multiple ways to access the content. This resource includes a simplified differentiated version, Spanish translations, glossary terms, multiple-choice questions, writing activities, and graphic organizers to support comprehensive learning and assessment of this important life science concept.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz from How Wings Help Animals Fly

Bird creating lift. — Wings push air downward.

Wings are external structures on the outside of an animal's body that help many animals move through the air. These structures are important because they allow animals to find food, escape danger, and travel to new places.

Bird wings are covered with feathers, which are light, strong structures that grow from a bird's skin. The feathers are shaped to push air downward when the bird flaps its wings. This pushing creates lift, an upward force that helps the bird rise into the air. Think of how you push water down with your hands when swimming to move forward—bird wings work in a similar way with air.

Bat wings look very different from bird wings. A bat's wing is made of thin, stretchy skin called a membrane that stretches over long finger bones. When a bat spreads its fingers, the membrane opens like an umbrella to catch the air.

Insect wings are thin and very light. Most insects have two or four wings that beat very fast to keep them in the air.

Not all wings are used for flying. Penguins have wings, but they use them as flippers to swim underwater. Ostriches have wings too, but they use them for balance while running fast on land.

Interesting Fact: A hummingbird can beat its wings up to 80 times per second, which is so fast that it creates a humming sound you can hear!