Year 5 – 6 | My Skin Story

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

Background

In this lesson, students will develop a greater understanding of their skin type as per the Fitzpatrick scale, and how to
protect their skin from UV radiation. Students research the different skin phototypes using the Fitzpatrick scale definitions
of skin types. The Fitzpatrick scale was developed in 1975 and is a system that classifies skin type according to the amount
of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure. This information can help predict your overall risk of sun
damage and skin cancer.

Key messages

• The Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a commonly used system to describe a person’s skin type in terms of response
  to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure
• Skin is the body’s largest organ that protects our body and provides us with the sense of touch
• SPF50 or SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen offers the best protection from damaging UV radiation
  when used in combination with protective clothing, hats, shade and sunglasses
• Reactions to sunscreen are rare, however Cancer Council recommends usage tests before applying any sunscreen
• The sun produces UVA (skin damage/skin cancer, aging, wrinkles), UVB (sunburn, skin cancer) and UVC
  (doesn’t reach earth)
• Apply sunscreen by measuring 1 teaspoon per limb to clean, dry skin 20 mins before going outdoors and reapply every 2
  hours or more if sweating, towel drying or swimming. Do not rub in, instead layer it on
• A sunburn is a radiation burn from the sun. The sun produces ultraviolet radiation that causes damage to the skin
• Best sun protection practices are using a combination of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

Resources

• ARPANSA Fitzpatrick scale
• The Science of skin- Emma Bryce TED-Ed
• Activity sheet: My Skin Story
• Too many kids going to hospital because of sunburn

Instructions

1. Students view The Science of Skin for background and the purpose of skin.
2. Class discussion around the video and ask some key questions.
3. Display or distribute the ARPANSA Fitzpatrick scale.
4. Introduce and discuss how the system describes a person’s skin type.
5. Outline sun protection strategies including preventative measures.

Key questions

• Why do we have skin?
• Why is skin so important?
• How does the video relate to sun protection?
• What are some ways we can protect our skin?
• Why is it important to protect our skin?
• Should people with sensitive skin not wear sunscreen? Why or Why not?
• What are the recommendations for sunscreen and sensitive skin?