Description
Glowsticks use chemiluminescence to glow. Glow sticks emit light when two chemicals are mixed. A glow sticks consist of a thin brittle container that is enclosed within a flexible outer container. Each container holds a different solution to produce different colours. When the outer container is flexed, the inner container breaks, allowing the solutions to combine, causing the glowing effect. The reaction between the two chemicals is catalyzed by a base, usually sodium salicylate.
Teaching ideas for glowsticks
- Is the glowing different when you place the stick into iced water vs warm water (don’t use hot or you could damage the glowsticks).
- After starting the glowing effect, compare shaking the glowstick thoroughly mix the components vs not at all.
- How long do the glowsticks last?
- Can your datalogger or light sensor on a robot pick up the light?
- Research insects, mushrooms and other living creatures that glow in the dark.
School science visit that expands on this science teaching resource
Find out more about the Chemistry Show science incursion for schools
This science toy is a fantastic gift for curious kids and is part of a large range of science kits & resources.
Use for engaging science at home or in the classroom!
I just wanted to pass on how much the staff and students really enjoyed it and how perfect it was to launch our science week activities. The students were enthralled, educated and entertained – a perfect trifecta!
-Caulfield Grammar School – Big Science Big FunThanks so much for presenting at our school on Monday. Our students enjoyed the show.
-Greenvale Primary School – Big Science Big FunFizzics Education curated a thoughtful and hands-on experience for the children, incorporating practical, skill-based learning activities and followed by a science presentation at the end of the event involving liquid nitrogen. This was delivered safely and effectively, capturing both the children and the parents for the duration of the presentation.
-Macquarie Bank – Family Fun DayFizzics Education ran a show today at our school and it was wonderful. He was a great facilitator and the show was age appropriate and well done.
-Mount Zion Early learning centre – Little Science Big FunI just wanted to pass on how much the staff and students really enjoyed it and how perfect it was to launch our science week activities. The students were enthralled, educated and entertained – a perfect trifecta!
-Caulfield Grammar School – Big Science Big FunThanks so much for presenting at our school on Monday. Our students enjoyed the show.
-Greenvale Primary School – Big Science Big FunFizzics Education curated a thoughtful and hands-on experience for the children, incorporating practical, skill-based learning activities and followed by a science presentation at the end of the event involving liquid nitrogen. This was delivered safely and effectively, capturing both the children and the parents for the duration of the presentation.
-Macquarie Bank – Family Fun DayFizzics Education ran a show today at our school and it was wonderful. He was a great facilitator and the show was age appropriate and well done.
-Mount Zion Early learning centre – Little Science Big Fun