Year 3 – 4 | Sunwise Weather Station Report

Protecting My Skin full resource download  |  Concept 2: Heat and UV from the sun: What’s the difference? download

Background

This lesson aims to provide students with an opportunity to identify connections with the weather and the UV Index.
Students set up a weather television station, collect data and present a weather report. Students prepare a weather report
with a particular focus on the UV Index and what factors influence it on any day and share appropriate SunSmart actions for
that day considering the UV Index level.

Key messages

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an energy produced by the sun, as well as some artificial sources, such as arc welding and
  solariums. It may reach you directly from the sun, or bounce off reflective surfaces such as water, pavement or even
  grass.
• UV is not heat. It cannot be felt on the skin and is not connected to the temperature. UV levels can be damaging on
  cool, cloudy days as well as warm and sunny days.
• UV levels are affected by several factors including geographic location, altitude, time of day, time of year, surrounding
  surfaces and cloud cover.
• The solar UV Index categorises UV levels on a scale from 0 (Low) to 11+ (Extreme). Sun protection is recommended when
• UV levels are 3 (Moderate) or higher.
• UV is always highest during the middle part of the day, peaking at solar noon.

Resources

• Activity sheet: Weather Forecast TV Station
• www.myuv.com.au
• How to read the daily UV forecast

Instructions

1. Students create a SunSmart television station.
2. Brainstorm ideas and ask questions.
3. Design the television station, recording set and visuals for delivery to the audience.
4. Prepare a weather report to be presented on the SunSmart television station.
5. Present the weather forecast, including reporting what the UV Index is for that day. Students explain what the UV Index
   is and what factors influence it on any particular day (e.g., cloud cover, time of day).
6. Research and discuss appropriate SunSmart action steps for that day, considering the UV Index level.

Key questions

• What is the UV Index?
• Why is it important to include the daily UV Index in a weather report?
• What is the difference between UV and heat?
• What factors affect UV levels?
• Where can you find information about the UV Index forecast?
• When is UV at its highest during the day?