Year 5 – 6 | Design a UV Meter

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

Background

This activity is a fun and interactive way for students to extend and consolidate their knowledge about ultraviolet (UV)
radiation and the UV Index. They will have the opportunity to research what a UV meter is and why they play an important
role in skin cancer prevention. UV meters give an accurate, visible and local measure of UV radiation. They also provide
information on what the UV Index numbers mean and what action should be taken to protect from skin damage.

Key messages

• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer
• Childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which overexposure to UV is more likely to contribute to skin
  cancer later in life
• The UV Index is an open-ended numerical scale that measures the amount of UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface
• UV levels gradually increase from sunrise and peaks at solar noon on a clear sky day. Solar noon is the point at which the
  sun is directly overhead. UV levels then decline until sunset
• UV radiation can bounce and reflect off surfaces, so it is important to use all five forms of sun protection. Slip, Slop,
  Slap, Seek and Slide
• UV radiation is invisible, you cannot see or feel it. We can see its effects though
• If UV Index is 3 or above, it can cause sunburn and skin damage
• When the UV Index is 3 or above, sun protection is required
• UV radiation and heat are not the same thing
• The UV Index can be 3 or above when it is cool and cloudy.

Resources

• Activity sheet: Design a UV Meter
• The UV Index explained
• How to read the UV forecast poster
• Generation SunSmart-UV meters
• Art and craft supplies
• Range of recyclable materials

Instructions

1. Ask key questions to activate prior knowledge about UV and sun protection.
2. Research and visit the Generation SunSmart website for further information on UV meters.
3. Record key information on the activity sheet.
4. Plan and draw their design, ensuring the design is labelled with as much detail as possible. List materials.
5. Construct their UV meter.

Key questions

• What is a UV meter?
• How can UV meters help us be SunSmart?
• Why is it important to be very aware of UV?
• How do we know that UV radiation is there?
• What is the difference between heat and UV radiation?
• What are some strategies we can use to protect
  ourselves from UV?