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Penguins used to monitor chemicals on a remote coast (Level A1) — Two birds wading in a shallow, calm body of water.

Penguins used to monitor chemicals on a remote coastCEFR A1

17 Apr 2026

Adapted from U. Buffalo, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Y.Meng Z, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
77 words
  • Penguins wore small samplers on their legs.
  • Scientists put the samplers for a few days.
  • Samplers absorbed chemicals from water and air.
  • Penguins touched surfaces while they searched for food.
  • After use, scientists took the devices to a lab.
  • Tests found many chemicals in the samplers.
  • The method is less harmful than blood tests.
  • Penguins help show where pollution is found.
  • Researchers want to try the idea with other birds.
  • The approach can help monitor remote coasts.

Difficult words

  • samplersmall device that collects things for tests
    Samplers
  • absorbto take in a liquid or gas
    absorbed
  • chemicala substance made or found in nature
    chemicals
  • pollutiondirty or harmful things in air or water
  • monitorto watch a place or thing over time
  • remotefar away and hard to get to

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

Discussion questions

  • Would you let a bird wear a small sampler? Why or why not?
  • Have you seen pollution near the sea or a river?
  • Do you think scientists should use animals to find pollution?

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