Grade:
Time:
Topic:
Concept:
SOL: Science:
Rationale:
Goals:
Objective:
Materials:
- fireflies
- 2 glass jars with lids
- 2 thermometers that fit inside the jars
- science journals
Procedure:
Catch as many fireflies as you can and put them in a glass jar. Put a thermometer inside the jar with the fireflies. Put another thermometer in the empty jar. After 30 minutes, note the temperature of each jar and record it in your science journal.
Results:
Depending on the number of fireflies in the jar, the temperature may be slightly higher in the jar with the insects.
Why?
The luminescence, or cold light, that fireflies produce gives off no heat. Any rise in temperature in the jar is just due to the body heat given off by the insects. The light produced by living organisms is called bioluminescence. This light is caused by the chemical luciferin. When this chemical combines with oxygen it gives off light. Some fish that live in the abyss have also developed bioluminescence.