Glow: The Wild Wonders of Bioluminescence
on Goodreads (132)
What’s inside...
Explore the fascinating world of bioluminescence, where creatures light up the darkness with their glowing bodies. From fireflies to glowworms, and from bioluminescent bays to glowing mushrooms, this book takes readers on a journey to discover the science behind the magic of light production in living organisms. With stunning photographs and engaging text, readers will learn about the diverse range of bioluminescent creatures, how they produce light, and the important roles that bioluminescence plays in their lives and ecosystems. The book also delves into the potential applications of bioluminescence in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the natural world and its wonders. The astonishing phenomenon of bioluminescence is brought to life in vivid detail by scientific illustrator Jennifer N. R. Smith—featuring a colorful palette that seems to glow on the page.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to see animals glowing in the dark in real life?
Why do you think some creatures have the ability to glow?
How do you think bioluminescence helps these animals survive in their environments?
Can you imagine a new animal with bioluminescence? What would it look like and how would it use its glow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively and critically by asking open-ended questions. Show genuine interest in their responses to foster a deeper conversation. Relate the topic of bioluminescence to everyday life by discussing how light helps us in our daily activities and how it could be different if we could glow. Enhance understanding by asking them to draw or describe their imagined bioluminescent animal, bridging the gap between the fantasy world of glowing animals and real-world biology.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book inspires a sense of wonder about the natural world through its depiction of bioluminescent creatures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions about their surroundings, promoting a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Environmental Conservation
Explanation: Through learning about bioluminescent species, the importance of preserving their habitats is emphasized.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of environmental stewardship and are more likely to be mindful of their ecological impact.
Example Lesson: Scientific Understanding
Explanation: The book delves into the science behind bioluminescence, presenting it in an accessible way for young readers.
Real-World Application: Children gain a basic understanding of biological concepts, which helps in school subjects like science and encourages analytical thinking.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Illustrating the diverse range of bioluminescent organisms, the book teaches about the diversity in nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diversity in all forms, promoting inclusivity and tolerance in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Inspiration and Creativity
Explanation: The spectacular visuals of bioluminescent creatures can ignite the imagination of young readers.
Real-World Application: This sense of creativity can be channeled into various forms of expression such as art, writing, or play, helping children to express themselves uniquely.