Core Knowledge Foundation
Insects Tell It Again!™ Read-Aloud Anthology
A read-aloud anthology explores the world of bees, wasps, beetles, termites, ants, fireflies, and more. Scholars listen to stories and discuss topics and practice word work. Extension opportunities keep the learning going in and out of...
American Museum of Natural History
Talking to Fireflies
Fireflies are more than just mobile twinkle lights. An online interactive lesson teaches individuals about the light patterns fireflies use to communicate with each other. After they practice the patterns themselves, they could be...
Read Works
Fireflies
A short story about a nighttime adventure at summer camp provides readers with a chance to practice their comprehension skills.
Curated OER
Fabulous Fireflies
Bring the magic of fireflies to your classroom! Using a toilet paper tube, wiggly eyes, and yellow (or glow-in-the-dark) paint, you can make your own firefly.
Curated OER
Camping/Catching Fireflies
Students create glow in the dark simulated lightning bug jars after reading stories about fireflies.
Curated OER
Curious Science: Fireflies
In this online interactive science quiz worksheet, students respond to 4 multiple choice questions about fireflies and their attributes.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Glow: Living Lights
Accompanying an exhibit called "Glow: Living Lights" is this lesson that explores the chemical compounds and adaptations of bioluminescence and other glowing terrestrial animals.
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: Common Eastern Firefly O Logy Card
Flip this interactive card to start learning about the Common Eastern Firefly. Answer multiple-choice and fact-or-fiction questions and review some fast facts about this insect that communicates with patterns of flashing light.
Read Works
Read Works: "Fireflies in the Garden"
[Free Registration/Login Required] A poem by Robert Frost about fireflies in the night sky. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
University of California
Uscb: The Bioluminescence Web Page
A very detailed covering of bioluminescence including myths, organisms, chemistry, physiology, and photos. Contains many links for further information.
Other
Nicky Case: Fireflies
Fireflies can put on quite a light show! Watch a whole mangrove forest filled with fireflies lighting up and plunging into darkness over and over again in perfect synchrony. How do thousands of fireflies coordinate with each other? The...
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky: Bug Fun
This fun site is designed for teachers who want to have interactive fun in the classroom. "Several articles give resources and basic information about insects and their relatives while others outline activities with different insect...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Glowing in the Dark: Two Digit Subtraction
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart teaches 2-digit subtraction with and without regrouping using fireflies as manipulatives. It is interactive and self checking.
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: Behavioral Isolation: Unique Examples
Behavioral isolation is a form of reproductive barrier that prevents closely related species from interbreeding. It relies on unique mating rituals that attract partners only from within that species. A number of examples are provided.
HotChalk
Hot Chalk: Lesson Plans Page: Insects
This simple lesson plan is designed to introduce young scholars to the qualities of fireflies.