Year 3 – 4 | SunSmart UV Fact Finder

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

Background

SunSmart UV Fact Finder explores ways in which health information can influence health decisions and behaviours. It
encourages critical thinking strategies and challenges students’ point of view around protecting our skin, sun protection,
sunscreen, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Students research and create top ten facts about sun protection. This lesson can
be broken up into multiple lessons; research and fact finding, create a top 10 facts display and then reflection and
self-assessment.

Key messages

• There are many different health messages and sources of information that can influence our health decisions and
  behaviours. It is important to make informed decisions and choose a course of action that avoids risks and reduces
  harm
• Look for information from credible sources to make informed decisions around sun protection
• It is important to challenge viewpoints, question information and seek evidence from a credible source.

Resources

• Activity sheets: SunSmart UV Fact Finder
• Frequently asked questions
• Be SunSmart – Cancer Council Australia
• Generation SunSmart
• SunSmart WA

Instructions

Part 1

1. Divide the students into pairs and distribute activity sheets.
2. Each pair research facts and interesting information about the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ensuring that
   information is gathered from a credible source. Students may like to make notes in their exercise books and reference
   their source of information.
3. In pairs, students discuss and decide on their top ten facts and write them on the activity sheet.
4. Create a display for the top facts. This could be a poster, gif, chart, slideshow, canvas, brochure, bookmark or newspaper article.

Part 2

5. Class discussion using key questions. Students discuss the use of research around health issues such as sun protection
   and how this can improve the quality of life.
6. Students reflect on the research section of the activity and record answers on page 2 of the activity sheet.

Part 3

7. Students complete a self-assessment rating scale on the work completed and provide feedback for what was done well
   and areas for improvement.

Key questions

• How do you know if you are visiting a credible website containing factual information?
• Which facts from your top 10 list were you unaware of?
• What positive actions can you take in your own life to minimise the effects of each fact?
• What are some actions/solutions to health issues that are related to UV exposure?
• Why do you think there is some false information available around sun protection?