Inspired by a song to be sung by her daughter's first-grade class in an upcoming musical, a parent volunteer teacher used fireflies as the focus of a science lesson to build on the children's interest and experiences. She developed a 5E lesson (Bybee et al. 2006) using the backwards-design approach (Wiggins and McTighe 2005) to ensure meaningful learning related to science and literacy standards for first grade (see "Connecting to the Next Generation Science Standards" on p. 57). During this hourlong lesson, the children expanded on their knowledge of fireflies and light; gathered evidence to develop the understanding that at night, objects can be seen only when illuminated; and considered ways to use light to not only see, but also to communicate. Throughout the lesson, the parent teacher encouraged the children to share their observations and ideas verbally and in writing.