Lights in the Deep

Students are introduced to chemical reactions, reaction rates, chemiluminescence, fluorescence and bioluminescence. They use glow sticks are used to demonstrate the effect of temperature on the rates of chemical reactions. Pupils recall...

Students examine bioluminescence and camouflage of deep sea creatures. In this deep sea creatures lesson plan, students investigate the visible and near-visible light spectrum. They work in small groups to complete a light, color, and...

Groups explore illumination with NASA's Lighting Environment Test Facility (LETF) as a context. Using the TI-Nspire app, groups determine the lux equation that models their simulation. They then use the lux equation to...

In groups of three with the lights off and the shades drawn, investigators place inactivated light sticks, in three beakers: one filled with ice water, another with lukewarm water, and the other with room temperature water. They wait...

An experiment in chemiluminescent reactions using a commercial Lightstick. As the temperature conditions are changed, students observe changes in the Lightstick and record their observations.

Some lucky animals are naturally endowed with bioluminescence, or the ability to create light. Leslie Kenna investigates this magical glow and our quest to replicate it. [4:09]

A very nice animated basic explanation of the difference between fluorescence and bioluminescence.

A very detailed covering of bioluminescence including myths, organisms, chemistry, physiology, and photos. Contains many links for further information.

High schoolers explore chemiluminescence through various experiments. In this chemistry lesson, students explain the chemical reaction that drives the process. They give real life applications of chemiluminescence.

Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. In this biology instructional activity, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.