Illuminating Luminescence

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In this activity, learners compare and contrast different forms of luminescence by observing how chemiluminescence, phosphorescence, and fluorescence produce or emit light. Learners also compare these forms of luminescence to bioluminescence.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • light sticks
  • objects that glow in the dark, such as stickers or plastic stars
  • paper bag
  • flashlights
  • laundry detergent that contains whitening agents
  • small transparent plastic cups
  • black light (UV light)
  • a sample of a fluorescent mineral (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Classification
    • Ecology
      • Biodiversity
    • Evolution
      • Mechanisms of Evolution
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electromagnetic Fields
    • Energy
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum
      • Sunlight and Color
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Education, Science Friday

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Science Friday, 2011