Bioluminescence: Living light
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seasbiolum.html
A lesson plan for grade 8 Science
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In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore creatures who live 3,300 feet deep into the ocean, where light does not penetrate. They learn how some marine animals produce their own light in a chemical process called bioluminescence. This lesson has opportunities for online learning and small group work.
Students will:
- describe how organisms use bioluminescence;
- perform an experiment to learn how animals use bioluminescence for camouflage; and
- describe the habitat and characteristics of at least one bioluminescent organism.
Xpeditions provides links to necessary web resources, detailed instructions for completing the lesson, and suggestions for assessment and extension activities.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 8
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.07: Prepare models and/or computer simulations to:
- Test hypotheses.
- Evaluate how data fit.
- Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
- Communicate findings.
- Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
- Describe strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and/or data.
- Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
- Research.
- Gather and analyze data.
- Visualize data.
- Disseminate findings to others.
- Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
- Scientific text.
- Articles.
- Events in the popular press.
- Objective 1.07: Prepare models and/or computer simulations to:
- Goal 4: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize technology and information systems to build an understanding of chemistry.
- Objective 4.01: Understand that both naturally occurring and synthetic substances are chemicals.
- Objective 4.02: Evaluate evidence that elements combine in a multitude of ways to produce compounds that account for all living and nonliving substances.
- Goal 5: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of evidence of evolution in organisms and landforms.
- Objective 5.02: Correlate evolutionary theories and processes:
- Biological.
- Geological.
- Technological.
- Objective 5.02: Correlate evolutionary theories and processes:
