Year 3 – 4 | Sun Scoop

Protecting My Skin full resource download  |  Concept 1: The sun and our skin download

Background

The Sun Scoop lesson engages students to create a news scoop, by reporting on important sun protection messages and
health effects of over-exposure of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Students gather information around a topic of
their choice and target audience. For example, students may write a sun scoop targeted at adolescents and the importance
of increasing UV protection measures in high schools.

Key Messages

• Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people developing skin cancer at
  some time in their lives
• Research has established that childhood and adolescence are both critical periods during which UV radiation exposure
  could contribute to skin cancer later in life
• Overexposure to UV from the sun has been identified as the cause of most skin cancers
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA cells in skin cells. Damage to the skin can result in premature ageing and
  increases the risk of developing skin cancer
• The UV Index indicates the strength of UV radiation reaching the ground. A UV level of 3 is high enough to cause
  damage to unprotected skin
• The UV forecast, not temperature, should be used as a guide when assessing whether sun protection is required
• In Western Australia, UV radiation levels are 3 or above for most of the year
• It is estimated that more than 75% of all skin cancers could be prevented by practicing UV protective behaviours in
  childhood and adolescence.

Resources

• Activity sheet: Sun Scoop
• Activity sheet: Interview an Expert
• Generation SunSmart
• www.myuv.com.au
• SunSmart WA
• Be SunSmart – Cancer Council Australia

Instructions

1. Arrange students into small groups and distribute the sun scoop activity sheet for planning.
2. Research and gather facts using listed resources (who, what, when, where, why and how).
3. Students select a topic for their news scoop report. Their stories may include the health effects of overexposure to UV
   radiation, sun protection or how the UV Index works.
4. Students answer questions and take notes using the sun scoop activity sheet.
5. Students develop their news story using pencil and paper or electronic device.
6. Have students present their stories to the class.

Key questions

• What are some of the health issues related to overexposure to UV?
• What are the different target audiences and health issues related to these groups?
• Do you think our community has a good understanding of UV and the UV Index?
• What things could we do to increase the community’s knowledge of UV and sun protection?