Ikego Elementary School celebrates Firefly Day
Yokosuka, Japan – Ikego Elementary School recently held its third annual Firefly Day, where students learned about the protected fireflies that live in the habitat outside the playground and around the school.
Fourth graders presented information including the type of fireflies, Ikego’s relationship in conservation with the host nation, the firefly life cycle, population data and why the school mascot is the firefly.
Students also experienced a firefly read-aloud and learned how to make origami fireflies. Special guest speakers, local scientists who work on base and run the conservation program, provided student science talks and tours of the firefly habitat.
Dr. Yuichi Oba, a famous researcher from Chubu University, joined Firefly Day for the third year. He presented information to the older grades about bioluminescence in nature. He even brought live glowing worms for students to see in person.
“I really enjoyed learning about how fireflies glow and other plants and animals that have bioluminescence,” said fifth grade student Carina Watanabe.
Luna Ebaben was excited to be one of the student presenters for fourth grade.
“Firefly Day is important because it gives all students a chance to learn about how our school helps the fireflies and what they mean to our school,” Ebaben explained
It was an exciting day of nature, learning and celebrating Ikego’s glowing firefly culture!
