Glow Up

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In this activity, learners explore chemiluminescence and fluorescence. Learners examine 3 different solutions in regular light, in the dark with added bleach solution, and under a black light. This resource includes information about chemiluminescence and fluorescence including how these properties pertain to molecular and cell biology.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • luminol
  • fluorescein
  • bleach
  • NaOH
  • clear beakers or cups
  • black light or UV LED
  • dropper or disposable pipet
  • tonic water (optional)
  • laundry detergent (optional)
  • extra virgin olive oil (optional)
  • green laser (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
    • Technology
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • Genetic Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Energy and Power
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
      • Chemistry of Life
      • Solutions
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Wave Properties
    • Light and Optics
      • Lasers
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Electronics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yu, Julie

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2008

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610238
  • National Science Foundation, 0925383