Year 1 – 2 | Light Protection
Protecting My Skin full resource download | Concept 2: Heat and UV from the sun: What’s the difference? download
Background
The Light Protection lesson is designed to build on previously taught knowledge that UV radiation is invisible and cannot
be seen or felt. By completing this activity, students will look closely at the type of fabrics that are used in sun protective
clothing and which are best to protect the skin from UV radiation. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating is based on
how much UV radiation is transmitted through a fabric. It is an indicator of the protective ability of the fabric. The higher
the UPF the greater protection offered, with a recommended value of UPF 50+. Fabrics that let a lot of light through offer
limited protection from UV. Generally, the less light that can pass through, the better the fabric.
Key messages
- There are many materials with different weaves of fabric. The different weaves of fabric allow light to filter through. If light can filter through, so does the UV radiation.
- Covering the skin with clothing is the best form of sun protection. Clothing that covers the neck (collars), arms and
chest are recommended.
Resources
- Range of shirts or fabrics
- Rash shirt with UPF 50+
- Torch
Instructions
- Ask students to bring a shirt into class for this activity.
- Explore and discuss the different shirts. Decide which one covers most of their skin.
- Encourage them to hold a shirt up to the light. Explain that if you can see through it, the sun can get through it.
- Using the samples of shirts or fabrics, place a torch against the fabric to compare how much light permeates the
fabrics and rank them from most SunSmart to least. - Compare it to the UPF 50+ rash shirt.
- Have students explain why their shirt is SunSmart or not.
- In workbooks, draw a SunSmart shirt and label all the components of what makes it SunSmart.
Key questions
- What are the best fabrics to protect yourself from UV radiation? Why?
- What did you notice when you place the torch up against the shirt?
- What do you look for in a SunSmart shirt?