Investigation: Bioluminescence - An Adaptation for Deep-sea Survival

TOPIC: Bioluminescence

FOCUS: Students explore the phenomenon of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms and theorize about how it might help them to survive.

PHENOMENON (DRIVING QUESTION): Why do many deep-sea organisms glow in the dark?

OBJECTIVES/ Students will: observe bioluminescent deep-sea organisms (video, images) and document their observations, thoughts, and questions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

  • identify and describe the behavioral and physical adaptations of bioluminescent deep-sea organisms (from videos, images, Creature Cards) and develop theories as to how certain behavioral and physical adaptations help bioluminescent organisms survive and/or reproduce in the deep sea.
  • create a detailed and annotated model of a bioluminescent organism and its physical and/or behavioral adaptations for survival in the deep sea.