Year 5 – 6 | SunSmart Accessories

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

Background

This lesson is designed to consolidate students’ understanding about the difference between ultraviolet (UV) radiation
and heat. Students research, plan, develop and create a SunSmart accessory (hat, jewellery, or arm band) that acts as a
reminder to use sun protection. All accessories created by students must include UV reactive detection beads. UV reactive
detection beads indicate UV light by changing colour. The stronger the ultraviolet radiation present, the faster the colour
change and the deeper the colour. Once indoors and away from the sun’s UV light, the beads change back to off-white.

Key messages

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is invisible, you cannot see or feel it. We can see its effects though
• If the 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 and heat are not the same thing
• The UV index can be 3 or above when it is cool and cloudy
• 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
• 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.
• Make informed decisions and healthy lifestyle choices around skin protection.

Resources

• Activity sheet: Design a UV Radiation Detection Accessory
• Range of recycled and art and craft materials
• UV detection beads Abacus Educational Suppliers

Instructions

1. Experiment with the UV reactive detection beads. Students move around the room and observe the colour of their
   beads placed under different sources of light (such as lamps, a grow-light for plants). Note that fluorescent lighting will
   not change the colour of the beads.
2. Students should notice that their beads will begin to change colour as they move towards the window.
3. Test the beads outside, remembering it does not need to be a bright or hot sunny day.
4. Ask key questions to generate discussion and develop an explanation for the changes they are seeing.
5. Distribute activity sheet and research different types of accessories.
6. Plan and draw two designs and ensure designs are labelled with as much detail as possible. List materials.
   Note: Designs must include the UV detection beads and can be anything that can be worn, such as a hat,
   jewellery, or arm band.
7. Students select which design they will be creating and construct their accessory.
8. Complete the remainder of the questions on the activity sheet for reflection.

Key questions

• What did you notice about the beads?
• Are the beads darker in direct sun light? What happens in the shade?
• Why is it important to be very aware of UV radiation?
• 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?

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