How and why do fireflies create light?

Photo courtesy of Jessica Lucia | U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Phenomenon Description: The North Carolina mountains are home to several species of fireflies, most notably the synchronous and blue ghost fireflies, which put on stunning light shows in late spring and early summer.
Location: Graham 
Grade Level or Course: Chemistry
Question: How and why do fireflies create light?
Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and Effect: Mechanism & Exploration
Science Domain: Physical Science
NC Standard: PS.Chm.4 Analyze chemical reactions in terms of quantities, product formation, and energy.
NC Objective: PS.Chm.4.2 Carry out investigations to predict the outcome of simple chemical reactions that obey the Law of Conservation of Mass

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