Websites
Firefly (Lightning Bug) - This site is by National Geographic and includes lots of fun firefly facts!
Firefly.org - This whole site is ALL about fireflies! Be sure to check out the section called "How to Catch Fireflies" as it will help with this week's task.
How Do Fireflies Light Up? - On this site you will learn the science behind how fireflies light up.
Firefly.org - This whole site is ALL about fireflies! Be sure to check out the section called "How to Catch Fireflies" as it will help with this week's task.
How Do Fireflies Light Up? - On this site you will learn the science behind how fireflies light up.
Task
1. Gently catch and observe lightning bugs in a jar. Make sure that air is provided for the fireflies. Get an adult to help you punch air holes in your container.
2. Observe the flashing in the jar. Count the number of flashes, how long they last, and the time between flashes. Do this for 5 minutes. Record your data.
3. Return to your capture site and gently release your insects. Wait 1 hour and return to your site. Recapture fireflies and repeat your observations. If you notice a different flashing sequence, you probably have a different species.
2. Observe the flashing in the jar. Count the number of flashes, how long they last, and the time between flashes. Do this for 5 minutes. Record your data.
3. Return to your capture site and gently release your insects. Wait 1 hour and return to your site. Recapture fireflies and repeat your observations. If you notice a different flashing sequence, you probably have a different species.
Books
Incredible Fireflies by Susan Ashley - "Each of these small-format, easy-to-read titles describes the life cycle of an insect often found in the backyard. Accurate information is provided on the stages of the creatures' lives from egg to larva to pupa and their emergence from the pupa to find a mate or food in order to survive and to complete the cycle." School Library Journal
Fireflies by Julie Murray - A book filled with pictures and additional information on fireflies.
Fireflies by Julie Murray - A book filled with pictures and additional information on fireflies.
Additional Information
Ready, Set, Glow! - Check out this site to play a firefly game, find jokes about fireflies, and print out activity sheets!
Firefly Watch - This is a project you can join put together by The Museum of Science in Boston. You can join the project and share your own observations.
Firefly Watch - This is a project you can join put together by The Museum of Science in Boston. You can join the project and share your own observations.
When you have completed this task bring your Web Quest Passport to the library.
Click here for the next task.
Click here for the next task.