Jellyfish Bioluminescence – Handout + Task Cards + Presentation

Jellyfish Bioluminescence – Glow-in-the-Dark Ocean Science! | Jellyfish Bioluminescence – Handout + Task Cards + Presentation

Bring ocean science to life with this engaging, kid-friendly PDF all about bioluminescent jellyfish! Students will explore how these magical sea creatures create their own light, why they glow, and what other animals in nature also shine in the dark. Handout resource includes a bright and simple reading passage along with drawing prompts and facts that encourage creativity and comprehension.

Perfect for early elementary grades, this no-prep printable is ideal for science centers, reading groups, nature units, or ocean-themed classroom activities.

What’s Included:

• Simple, illustrated explanation of bioluminescence
• Real-life glowing creatures: jellyfish, fireflies, glow-worms, squid, and anglerfish
• Student-friendly language and engaging layout
• “Draw a Jellyfish” creative activity
• Bonus: Pairs well with glow-in-the-dark crafts or science fair projects!

Task Cards:

10 questions about the reading, 4 to a sheet, JPG and PDF

Answer sheet included

Presentation:

The 10 task cards as a presentation, PDF and PPTX included

Use It For:

• Life Science & Animal Adaptations
• Ocean Units
• Reading Comprehension
• Sub Plans
• Homework or Take-Home Packets

Great for discussions on:

Bioluminescence, jellyfish science, glow in the dark animals, ocean life, sea creature facts, elementary science, squid, fireflies, anglerfish, glow worms, and more!

NGSS for Jellyfish Bioluminescence3rd Grade (3-LS4, 3-LS3, 3-PS2)

• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some less well, and some not at all.
• → Bioluminescence as an adaptation for survival.
• 3-LS3-2: Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.
• → Light-producing traits are inherited and influenced by habitat.

4th Grade (4-PS4, 4-LS1)

• 4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen.
• → How jellyfish glow and how predators/prey perceive that light.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• → Specialized light-emitting organs in jellyfish.

5th Grade (5-LS2, 5-PS3, 5-ESS3)

• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• → Role of bioluminescent jellyfish in ocean ecosystems (predator-prey relationships).
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun.
• → Indirectly tied to how jellyfish gain energy and why conserving energy with bioluminescence might be useful.
• 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
• → Modern applications: humans studying bioluminescence for medical/environmental research.