Paramecia move with the assistance of small hairs called cilia which project from all sides of its body. The single-celled organisms use these hairs like oars, beating them against the water to move around in pursuit of food and to avoid predators. The movements of paramecia are sometimes quite funny and interesting to watch, as they are incredibly fast, considering their size, and they learn from their environments. Almost any sample of fresh water or scum will contain some paramecia, which can be seen with a low powered microscope or magnifying class.

Animals in the genus Paramecium are quite remarkable. Despite being single celled, they are complex, with all of the parts of the cell helping the creature to survive and pass on its genetic material. A paramecium is shaped roughly like a shoe or slipper, and under magnification it is easy to see the small cilia projecting from the animal's body. Scientists sometimes slow paramecia down with viscous fluids so that they can see the cilia in motion.

The cilia on a paramecium move in two directions. Paramecia move forwards by beating their cilia at a backwards angle, to thrust themselves through the water. To back up, paramecia beat their cilia forwards. The animals also spin as they swim through the water, allowing them to collect food, which is pushed by the cilia into the mouth. A paramecium can look like a twirling top as it spins through the water or scum in which it lives.

Paramecia move simply, often traveling in a straight line until they bump into something and navigate around it. It is believed that the animals may also chemical sensors which alert them to potential food sources. Watching paramecia move around large obstacles can remind people of navigating into small parking spaces, as paramecia move forward, back up, turn, move forward, and so forth until they are in the clear again.

While a paramecium's movement tactics might seem primitive, this way of life appears to be very effective. Paramecia are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, and larger organisms may have evolved from paramecia. The creatures are capable of reproducing themselves in several ways, ensuring that they continue to thrive. In some cases, a paramecium will use binary fission as a method of reproduction, splitting itself in half after replicating its DNA. Paramecia can also exchange genetic material with each other.