Techniques for Investigating the Effect of Various Wavelengths of Light on the Behavior of Aquatic Animals

When engaging students in independent inquiry, materials are required that are historically well-researched and experimental, yet easy to handle in the classroom. Many experimental materials have been proposed to study the behavior of light and organisms. Several experimental materials have also been proposed to investigate the behavior of organisms in response to different wavelengths of light. The purpose of this study was to examine methods for creating light sources in the classroom to help students investigate the behavior of organisms in relation to light at various wavelengths and to determine whether students could use these methods to engage in scientific inquiry. The results showed that it was difficult to extract light of specific wavelengths using cellophane for white light. Instead, a light source of a specific wavelength was created using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emitted light with specific wavelengths. As a result, using the light source developed, the behavior of Artemia sp. which is from Great Salt Lake and popularly known as brine shrimp or sea monkeys was able to be examined and the results were consistent with reports from previous studies. Students were also able to engage in scientific practices using these light sources. It is believed that the light sources used in this study will allow students to study a variety of aquatic animal behaviors at their leisure. The results also indicate that students can engage in cross-disciplinary practices using this material because it can be applied to electrical circuits, the properties of light, and the behavior of organisms.