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Phototropism and Phototaxis

Phototropism and Phototaxis is how plants and animals move toward or away from light.

Think of it this way

A tray holds small blocks spread across its flat top. A bright lamp shines on one side of the tray. Each block slowly shifts across the tray toward the bright side. The far side sits in shade, and all the blocks end up near the light.

Explaining phototropism and phototaxis by grade level

Put ants near a bright lamp and a dark spot. Most ants walk away from the light. They like to stay in the dark. Light helps us see, but some small creatures feel safer without it.

Projects that explore phototropism and phototaxis

Crayfish and Light Preference

Some animals actively move away from bright areas. An aquarium was divided by a foam wall with a small opening: one half covered in black paper, the other lit by a 60-watt light. Crayfish placed on the lit side moved toward the darkness and rejected the bright light. When the test was repeated starting from the dark side, the result was the same — most crayfish ended up in the dark half.

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