One night in May 2017, Jonathan Martin carried a special
Martin is a
Scientists have discovered that some mammals give off a glow!
Learning Objective: Students will compare and order decimals related the fluorescence of a type of flying squirrel.
One night in May 2017, Jonathan Martin carried a special
Martin is a
J. MARTIN, NORTHLAND COLLEGE
This flying squirrel glows under ultraviolet light.
Rick & Nora Bowers/Alamy Stock Photo
This is how it appears under visible light.
To confirm this finding, Martin and his colleagues traveled to museums to study their collections. The team photographed preserved flying squirrels at the Science Museum of Minnesota under UV light. They all glowed hot pink.
At the Field Museum in Chicago, the team discovered even more fluorescent mammals. A springhare from Africa and a platypus from Australia glowed under UV light too.
All the fluorescent mammals the team found have something in common: They’re most active at night. The ability to glow could help mammals communicate. Scientists need to watch the animals in the wild to learn more.
Now You Try It
The table shows fluorescence scores for a type of flying squirrel. These scores are how scientists measure an animal’s natural fluorescence. A higher score means a brighter glow. Use the table to answer the questions below.
Joel Sartore/Photo Ark
Source: Journal of Mammalogy
BODY PART | FLUORESCENCE SCORE |
Abdomen | 14.8 |
Chin and neck | 2.5 |
Back | 2.3 |
Tail | 11.9 |
A. Write the fluorescence scores for the squirrel’s abdomen and tail in the
B. Which score is higher?
Does the squirrel’s tail fluoresce more or less than its chin and neck?
Which part of the squirrel fluoresces more—its chin and neck or its back?
Order the squirrel’s fluorescence scores from least to greatest.
Watch a math helper video about how to compare decimals using number lines and place value charts.
Comparing and Ordering Decimals
Watch a math helper video about how to compare decimals using number lines and place value charts.
1. SPARK ENGAGEMENT.
Before or after reading the article, spark a discussion based on the following questions.
2. INTRODUCE THE MATH CONCEPT AND VOCABULARY.
3. WORK THROUGH THE "WHAT TO DO" BOX.
4. REINFORCE WITH MATH PRACTICE.
Have students complete questions 1 through 4 on page 9.