Hands-On Science: Fun with Fluorescence

This Friday in Berekely Academy's Hands-On Science Program, students explored the science behind chemiluminescence. Chemiluminesence is broadly defined as the emission of light in a chemical process. Fluorescent molecules absorb light energy by promoting an electron to an excited state. When the electron falls back down to a low energy state, the energy is emitted as a photon of light, making the substance appear to "glow." Under the leadership of staff science teacher Ms. Melinda, students used a solution of fluorscein to create magical effects that emit a brilliant fluorescent green when illuminated with ultraviolet light. Cool!