Year 1 – 2 | Dress to be SunSmart

Protecting My Skin full resource download  |  Concept 3: Our Seasons download

Background

This activity explores and consolidates the importance of being SunSmart, even in winter or when the weather is cool and
cloudy. Students analyse and compare the clothing and SunSmart behaviours of a summer and winter picture.

Key messages

• Skin damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not temperature. A cool or overcast day can have
  similar UV levels to a warm, sunny day.
• UV and heat are not the same thing. We do not only need to use sun protection when it is hot. The UV Index
  can be 3 or above when it is cool and cloudy too.
• Best sun protection practices are using a combination of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
• Clothing is the best form of sun protection. Clothing that covers the neck (collars), arms and chest are recommended
• Long sleeve tops to at least the elbow are recommended.

Resources

• Resource sheet: Summer vs Winter Stimulus Pictures (see Lesson 1)
• A3 paper
• Coloured pencils

Instructions

1. Distribute the Summer vs Winter Stimulus Pictures and discuss the types of clothing children are wearing in each
   season. Are there any similarities or differences?
2. Discuss the importance of sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above and that this can be on cold and cloudy
   days and in winter.
3. Look at the summer and winter images again, but this time carefully looking at sun protection practices,
   Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. Both pictures are being SunSmart, even though the weather conditions and
   temperature is different.
4. Distribute a sheet of A3 paper, fold in half and open landscape.
5. On one side of the paper, add the title summer and the other portion winter.
6. Draw a person dressed in clothing best suited for summer under the heading summer. Include sun protection
   in your drawing.
7. Repeat, but this time draw a person dressed in clothing suitable for winter under the heading winter and include
   SunSmart clothing.
8. Optional – label the clothing on each picture.
9. Discuss the similarities and differences with clothing.

Key questions

• Are there any similarities in the clothing children wear in winter and summer?
• Why is it important to consider sun protection in winter?
• Would you wear a hat in winter? Why? or Why not?
• When should we be protecting our skin from UV radiation?
• What are the fives ways to protect our skin?
• The children in the summer picture are playing in the sun, is there any danger in this?
• What effect does different times of the year have on our skin?