Year 5 – 6 | Shining the Light on UV

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

Background

This simple handprint art activity demonstrates how sunscreen can provide protection from UV radiation from the sun.
Students experiment with dark coloured paper, ultraviolet light and sunscreen. Sunscreen contains ingredients that can
reflect and absorb ultraviolet light, which keeps the ultraviolet light from reaching and damaging skins cells.

Key messages

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is invisible, you cannot see or feel it. When the UV Index is 3 or above, sun protection is
  required
• UV and heat are not the same thing
• The UV Index can be 3 or above when it is cool and cloudy
• Sunscreen not only reduces the risk of skin cancer and sunburn, it also decreases the effects of ageing on the skin from
  the sun
• When applied as directed, SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen reflects or filters over 98% of UV radiation
• Broad spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays
• It is recommended that sunscreen is applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun. This allows the sunscreen time to
  bond properly to the skin
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if swimming, sweating, or towelling off
• SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Water resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen is recommended.

Resources

• Construction paper (dark, bold colours such as red or green)
• Sunscreen (SPF50 or SPF50+ and doesn’t contain metal oxides)
• Handprints and sunny spot outside
• Resource sheet: How Sunscreen Works
• Correct sunscreen application poster
• Tips for sunscreen use
• How the sun sees you

Instructions

1. Squirt a small amount of sunscreen onto one hand and spread evenly over the palm and fingers (don’t rub in).
2. Allow the sunscreen to absorb into the skin.
3. Press down all fingers and palms firmly onto the construction paper.
4. Place paper outside in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours. If it is windy, secure the paper with small rocks.
5. Observations and discussion about results. The sun’s UV rays have faded the colour of the paper and the sunscreen
   handprints has protected the original colour.
6. Repeat using another substance such as normal hand cream.
7. Students write about their observations and findings.

Extension

• Replace the handprints with other small heavy objects such as rocks or figurines. This demonstrates the importance of
  wearing sun protective clothing and shade.

Key questions

• What is UV?
• Why do you think the paper changed colour? What does this mean?
• What are some ways we can protect our skin?
• Why is it important to protect our skin?

When completing activities and lessons outdoors when the UV Index is 3 or above, please remember to be SunSmart