Powerful Verbs: firefly
Learning Objective
We are learning to write sentences that use powerful verbs to create precise images.
Context: firefly
Credit: BBC One - Seven Worlds, One Planet
Clip Description
Fireflies are insects belonging to the Lampyridae beetle family. Unlike their beetle brothers and sisters, they are special because they have bioluminescence (the ability to produce light). At night, their ability to produce a fire-like light is revealed – hence the name. They use their glowing bodies to communicate, just like you might use a torch to talk to a friend in the dark. Adults use flashes of light to attract mates. Larvae use the light to communicate to predators that they are inedible – an impressive defence mechanism, don’t you think?
In this fascinating clip, thousands of fireflies gather under the cover of darkness. They hope to use the opportunity to find a mate. This spectacular event happens for only a few days every year. Notoriously difficult to film, the team only have one shot. Will they succeed? Watch the clip to find out.
Discuss the meaning of each word highlighted in bold.
Word Challenge
Can you make a list of words/phrases that accurately describe the light that a firefly emits?
e.g. like neon signs, glowing embers, luminous, …