Chemilum-a-what?

Chemilum-a-what?

Chemiluminescence is not just a big word. Ask your student what reaction occurs when they use a glow stick. Most of them will be able to tell you chemiluminescence. Not only a big word, but also a really cool one that we learned in Science today! Chemiluminescence is when substances are mixed to create an emission of light.

You might also want to ask them what bioluminescense is. We only talked about it briefly but if they answer something about lightening bugs lighting up, they are correct!

We used the Glow Stick experiment to help discuss the Scientific Method and making observations. .Your student made observations about a glow stick, then predicted what they thought would happen we they bent the stick, and then recorded their observations again. They were challenged with using 4 of their 5 senses to make observations. Lastly the students made a hypothesis on how they think a glow stick works. We then watched a video clip that dissects a glow stick and explains the chemical reaction (Chemiluminescence) that takes place.

The Scientific Method
State the Problem
Form a Hypothesis
Observations
Materials/Procedures
Results/Data
Conclusion/Report Results