Fantastical Flying Beasts

Nearly every civilization has folklore that mentions the existence of the most recognizable creature of all time: the dragon! Join Dr. Emily Zarka as she examines their history.

Like dragons, griffins are fantastical flying creatures known for protecting treasure. Unlike dragons, they are half eagle and half lion. Learn more on this snippet of Legendary Creatures.

The dragon is one of the most recognizable symbols in Chinese culture. It was believed to bring wisdom, power, and luck. Read about their history, and think about whether your flying creature will be beloved—or feared.

Ok, not the fire-breathing, flapping kind—but it is a huge lizard with jagged teeth and a poisonous bite. Meet the Komodo dragon.

Have you ever heard of a bird whose tears can cure any wound or affliction? Look no further; let's meet the phoenix.

This short article from the American Museum of Natural History explores a few fun facts about mythical beasts of the air throughout history.

Dragons are awesome—and usually they're hard to draw. Ours always come out funny-looking, with wings that are too small or a head that looks like an alligator, not a dragon. Well, after today you'll know how to draw a good one. Get some paper and pencils and follow along with this video. You may want to pause it after each step while you do your drawing.

So far, you've learned a lot about flying creatures! Reflect on which mythical creatures you enjoyed learning about today and which ones might make an appearance in your story. Similar to yesterday, grab your story map and add more details. Remember, this is just a brainstorm so let the ideas flow!

If you're ready to go on an epic quest, look no further! You can avoid foes and hunt for treasure by programming your dragon through code. Try out "Dragon Dash" with an Hour of Code now.

In legends, dragons are often connected to the elements (like earth, air, fire, and water) and dragon dances are a traditional part of many Chinese festivals. But what if dragons danced to TODAY's music? Start by choosing your favorite 2-3 types of dragons, then make up each dragon's most amazing, show-stopping dance move. When you're done, put on your favorite song and try them out!

Here's a challenging workout move called the Dragon Walk... try it still, first, and then try "walking." How far can you get? A few steps? All the way down the hallway?