Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 2, “Hidden Chemistry: Everyday Chemical Reactions” (7th-8th)
Dear SAVY Families,
Today in Hidden Chemistry: Everyday Chemical Reactions, our classroom lit up as we explored the fascinating world of light and chemiluminescence! Students discovered that chemiluminescence is a unique type of light production where chemical reactions produce light without heat, unlike incandescence or fluorescence. They learned about the specific chemical reaction happening inside glow sticks, including the roles of hydrogen peroxide, phenyl oxalate ester, and fluorescent dyes, and investigated how temperature affects the rate of these glowing reactions, connecting this knowledge to real-world uses in nature, safety, and forensic science.
We began our day by diving into different ways light is produced. Students compared incandescence, where heat creates light (like in candles or lightbulbs), with fluorescence, where certain materials absorb energy and quickly release it as light (such as highlighter ink glowing under UV light). They were especially fascinated by chemiluminescence, where a chemical reaction directly produces light, with no heat required, which is exactly how glow sticks work!
During our hands-on experiment, students activated glow sticks and tested them in warm water, ice water, and room temperature. They observed that heat speeds up the reaction, making the glow brighter but shorter-lived, while cold slows it down, creating a dimmer glow that lasts longer. This led to great discussions about how temperature affects chemical reaction rates, and why understanding this is important for emergency lighting or preserving glow stick brightness over time.
In our group activity, students explored real-world applications of chemiluminescence. They learned how fireflies use it to communicate, deep-sea creatures use it to hunt or hide, forensic scientists use it to detect blood at crime scenes, and chemists design glow sticks for safety and signaling. We wrapped up the day with an exciting demonstration showing how pH affects light-producing reactions, reinforcing how scientists and forensic experts harness these principles in investigations and medical diagnostics. At home tonight, I encourage you to ask your child about their glowing discoveries! Here are some “Think Beyond” questions to spark discussion:
- What is the difference between fluorescence and chemiluminescence?
- How does temperature affect the brightness and duration of a glow stick’s light?
- Why might chemiluminescence be useful for animals in the deep sea?
- How do forensic scientists use chemiluminescence in investigations?
- If you could invent a new glowing product, what would it be and how would it help people?
Tomorrow, we shift our focus to the chemistry of water and space, exploring the hidden chemical reactions that shape our planet and beyond. I can’t wait for another day of exciting hands-on learning and discovery with this fantastic group of young scientists.
Thank you for supporting your child’s curiosity and scientific journey this week.
Warmest regards,
Ms. Hannah Richards
