Gliding Mammal Nature Study for Kids

Get ready to take a little journey through the treetops as we learn about gliding mammals. Some people think they’re cute, while others think they look creepy, but either way gliding mammal nature study is interesting!

What does it mean to glide? That’s an important word to understand when you discover that gliding mammals don’t have wings. And yet, they soar through the air – sometimes as far as half a football field! That might seem impossible for a wingless animal, but it’s strangely true.

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Gliding Mammals Nature Study

When we think about animals that fly through the air, we almost always picture animals with wings flapping. That concept of flight can be hard to wrap our heads around, but we’ve seen it so often that we rarely question it. However, wingless gliding mammals aren’t typical for most of us to see. The idea of them sailing through the air without wings might seem impossible.

Lucky for gliding mammals, it’s not impossible at all. In the podcast, learn about special body parts called patagia that make this unique form of flight possible for this unique group of animals. You’ll be amazed at this built-in parachute of sorts that belongs to several species of small mammals.

Free Nature Observation Printable Packet for All Seasons

No matter what time of year you’re listening to this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, here’s a printable pack of nature observation activities for every season of the year!

Gliding Mammal Nature Study Video Class

In the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE video class about gliding mammals, expect to learn much more about the marvelous membranes called patagia. Find out about other adaptations that help them to launch, steer, put on the brakes, and land effectively, too.

Practice geography as you discover where various species of gliding mammals live in the world. Mrs. Cindy will introduce you to at least one species for every continent, except Antarctica! Don’t be surprised when you learn that some gliding mammals are marsupials and others are not. This group of animals is truly amazing!

Nature Study Curriculum

Are you ready to go deeper with nature study in your homeschool? Let Mrs. Cindy guide your students on a nature exploration complete with live lessons, nature journaling activities, and a huge video library of nature study classes. Check out the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Membership!

Or, grab some fun curriculum…

Get your night senses revved up and bring along a flashlight! Get ready to learn about Flying Creatures of the Night like bats, owls, fireflies, and moths. Be prepared to find a magical world of animals that come alive in the night!

The Beautiful Birds nature study guide helps bring birds nearer and dearer to your heart through serious observation and study during all seasons of the year.

Gliding Mammal Nature Study Links and Resources

Whether you set out to find gliding mammals or turn your attention to the entire mammal group, these field guides can help define your discoveries.

Autumn Nature Observation Pack

If you haven’t already downloaded it, you’ll want to get a copy of the Autumn Nature Observation Pack. It includes lots of great activities that enable your family to observe and track what you see in nature this fall!

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Would you like to record a voicemail to answer this season’s nature study question?

At the end of each No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, Mrs. Cindy includes messages from a few of her friends. You have the opportunity to record a message that she might use on an upcoming episode!

All children must have their parent’s permission before leaving a recording. Parents are welcome to record an answer, too!

See this season’s question below. Think about your answer first and then follow these simple directions:

1. Click the button that says “Start recording”.
2. Tell me your first name. (If you want to tell your age and/or where you live, feel free to do that, too.)
3. You will have 60 seconds to answer the question but try to be concise.
4. Push the play button to listen to your recording before sending it to be sure it is recorded properly. If not, simply record it again.