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Bird flocks and fish schools behave like soft crystals (Level A1) — a group of blue and white drones

Bird flocks and fish schools behave like soft crystalsCEFR A1

8 Jul 2026

Adapted from James Devitt-NYU, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Growtika, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
76 words
  • Scientists studied how groups of birds and fish move.
  • They watched groups that move together.
  • The animals keep a similar spacing and order.
  • The groups act like soft material with springs.
  • This shape can bend and change easily.
  • It reacts to air or water flow.
  • Researchers used small flapping models in water.
  • The model predicted how the group would behave.
  • The model and tests showed the same patterns.
  • A grant helped to pay for the study.

Difficult words

  • spacingdistance between things in a group
  • springa metal part that can pull or push
    springs
  • modela small copy or example used in tests
    models
  • predictsay what will happen before it occurs
    predicted
  • reactmove or change because of something else
    reacts
  • grantmoney given to help pay for work

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you seen birds or fish moving together?
  • Do you think groups of animals move in patterns?
  • Would you like to watch a test with a small model?

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