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Grades: 5-8
Author: Tess Ewart
Module Description
As a result of this presenter-conducted module, participants will use hands-on activities to define chemiluminescence and bioluminescence. Participants will determine the effect of temperature on reactions. Safety considerations for lab activities will be discussed. Participants will design a lesson that uses inquiry to use in their classroom.
Three chemiluminescent sticks (also called "cool light sticks")
Thermometer or temperature sensor
Beakers (large enough to submerge one stick)
Ice water
Warm water
Room-temperature water
Timer
Room that can be darkened
Digital camera (optional)
NOTE: Cool light sticks are available at many toy stores, marine supply stores, party goods stores, and stores offering camping and fishing supplies.
**This professional development module is based on the Ohio Resource Center lesson #2361 and therefore contains the lesson plan as found on the ORC web site. The module writer acknowledges the scholarly work of the lesson plan author and does not claim any connection to the writing of the lesson plan. **
Engagement
Show a picture of an animal that shows bioluminescence such as the jellyfish image found at http://www.biolum.org/marine/biolum2/middle/livinglights/lljelly2content.html . Have the participants try to identify what they see with the reasons for their ideas.
Assessment: Participants' discussion.
Exploration
Ask the participants to come up with safety considerations for the materials to be used during experimentation. Discuss as a group these safety considerations. See Safety/Disposal section for safety precautions.
Have the participants write down their predictions for the effect temperature will have on the light sticks.
Have the participants work in groups (the number of lab set ups may determine the number of people in the group) following these procedures:
Assessment: Participant's activity results.
Explanation
Ask the participants the following questions:
(During this time the temperature of the light stick chemicals changed to reflect the temperature of the surrounding water.)
(This way you could compare the relative brightness of the sticks).
(warm water)
(ice water)
(ice water)
(warm water)
(Yes. The brightest glow (warm water) lasts the shortest time. Likewise, the dimmest glow (ice water) lasts the longest.)
(Warm water beaker: At a higher temperature, the reaction proceeded at a faster rate. This produced a brighter glow. Since the reactants were used up quicker, the glow ended sooner. Cold water beaker: In contrast, the cooled stick contained a slower reaction. This produced a reduced glow that lasted a longer period.)
Assessment: Participants' discussion.
Elaboration
Have participants discuss ways that they could use inquiry in their classroom settings.
From https://uakron.edu/polymer/agpa-k12outreach/best-teaching-practices/
Inquiry is the most abstract yet most scientific of all of the best practices in science. Inquiry is a method of approaching problems that is used by professional scientists but is helpful to anyone who scientifically addresses matters encountered in everyday life. Inquiry is based on the formation of hypotheses and theories and on the collection of relevant evidence. There is no set order to the steps involved in inquiry, but children need to use logic to devise their research questions, analyze their data, and make predictions. When using the inquiry methods of investigation, children learn that authorities can be wrong and that any question is reasonable.
The most abstract component of inquiry is imagination. Both students and professional scientists have to be able to look at scientific information and data in a creative way. This unconventional vision allows them to see patterns that might not otherwise be obvious.
Teachers can incorporate inquiry approaches to learning, for example, by allowing small groups of students to explore a particular natural phenomenon that might exhibit certain trends or patterns.
NSES CONTENT STANDARD A: As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of the following Science as Inquiry topics:
NSES CONTENT STANDARD B: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of the following Physical Science - Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter topics and Transfer of Energy topics:
NSES CONTENT STANDARD C: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of the following Life Science Structure and Function in Living Organisms topics:
NSES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARD A: Professional development for teachers of science requires learning essential science content through the perspectives and methods of inquiry. Science learning experiences for teachers must:
NSES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARD B: Professional development for teachers of science requires integrating knowledge of science, learning, pedagogy, and students; it also requires applying that knowledge to science teaching. Learning experiences for teachers of science must:
1-2 hours.
Notify the participants in advance to bring their curriculum guide/map or textbook to facilitate their development of an implementation plan.
Make sure the room in which the presentation will be held can be darkened.
Safety considerations:
For disposal of the light sticks, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Light sticks are usually discarded with ordinary trash.
Assessments can be found at the end of each learning cycle stage. For an overall assessment, have the students investigate the role of bioluminescence in Naval operations or explain the role of bioluminescence in different animals lives.
From the Ohio Resource Center Lesson #2361:
Sunlight that penetrates the ocean is absorbed as it passes through the surface layers of the water. Since solar radiation does not reach the ocean depths, the bottom of the deep ocean remains largely in complete darkness. However, certain animals in this extreme environment can generate light to communicate with each other, and even to lure prey, thanks to a process known as bioluminescence.
Bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence - the production of light through chemical means. In contrast to light generated by high temperatures, which allows objects to get hot (such as light bulbs, stars, or fireplace pokers), this "cool" process relies on chemical reactions. When chemicals combine, they release the energy that has been stored in their chemical bonds. In chemiluminescent reactions, this stored energy is released as light. In most bioluminescent deep sea animals, two basic chemicals - luciferin and luciferase-combine to produce light as a by-product of the reaction.
You may also have seen chemiluminescent sticks, bracelets, or other items that depend upon chemical reactions to produce light. If you examine these items closely, you will find that they consist of a sealed vial immersed within another liquid. When the inner vial is crushed, its contents mix with the surrounding fluid. As the chemicals combine, they generate visible light. In this activity, you will explore how the temperature of the chemicals that combine effects a chemiluminescent reaction.
Extensions from the Ohio Resource Center Lesson #2361:
Glowing Artwork:
Some animals have light organs that are concentrated around the eyes. Other organisms have strands of light spots that extend their whole body length.
Check out these sites: www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/anphys/1999/Cody/fish.html, http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/organism/photo.html, http://www.hboi.edu/gallery/photoarchive/bio_gallery_1.html, to learn more about the placement patterns of light organs in fish, cephalopods, jellyfish and other organisms.
For this activity, you'll need both a set of standard watercolor paints and a small vial of glow-in-the-dark paint. You can obtain all of these non-toxic paints from a local art store or an Internet outlet. Use the standard paints to produce images of various deep-sea fish and invertebrates. Then, use the glowing paint to add a pattern of glowing spots to each drawing. Challenge students to identify the painted subjects by only the glowing patterns that are revealed in dimmed lighting.
Download Lesson Implementation Template: Word Document or PDF File
Issues to consider are the following: seating so everyone can see the display, make sure every person participates in discussions, and grouping with diversity in mind.
None available for this module.
http://www.biolum.org/marine/biolum2/middle/livinglights/lljellycontent.html
