NEPTUNE Canada

Bioluminescent Activity (Grade 5)

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Learning Objective(s)

The objective of this lesson is to introduce students to the word bioluminescence, demonstrate its purpose and use the NEPTUNE project to discover a bioluminescent organism.

Introduction

Define the word bioluminescence. Describe the conditions which have led to fish adaptation. Explain how organisms use this light as a way of protecting themselves, luring prey or attracting a mate.

Materials

• Computer and internet
  
• Several shoe boxes with lids
  
• Black construction paper
  
• Black paint and paintbrushes
  
• Scissors
  
• String
  
• Tape

Activity

• Divide the class into groups of 4 or 5.
  
• Give each group a shoe box.
  
• Ask each group to paint the inside of their shoebox black and poke holes in one end and a viewing hole in the other.
  
• On the black paper, ask students to draw and cut out two fish; one which represents a regular shallow water fish and one which is a deep sea fish. Have images of various deep sea fish (from the NEPTUNE website) on hand to produce a more realistic image of the deep sea. In the deep water fish poke numerous holes and leave the other complete.
  
• Attach the complete fish to the shoe box lid and then place the lid on the shoebox.
  
• Hold the box to the light and look into the shoe box through the viewing hole. Make sure they can see the fish against the scattered background light.
  
• Take out the complete fish and replace it with the fish with holes.
  
• Ask the groups to discuss the differences between the two. Make sure students recognise that the complete fish is easier to see with scattered background light whilst the one with holes is more camouflaged.
  
• As a class discuss the deep water environment. What is the food source at these depths? How do they reproduce? How do they attract a mate? How big are these creatures? How long do they live? Ask students to write a short story of “A day in the life of a deep water creature.”
  
• Ask the students to research a deep sea animal and include facts such as diet, relative sizes, life expectancy and how they reproduce. Use the NEPTUNE website to help students with their research.

Extension

• Ask students to read their stories aloud so all students will gain an appreciation of the variety of deep sea creatures.

Assessment

• Have they included all required facts in their story?
  
• Is it well written with accurate and precise information?

Related Website

Tags

bioluminescence, bioluminescent organism, fish adaptation, mate, shallow water fish, deep sea fish, reproduce, diet, life expectancy