What is UV? – Information Sheet
Ultraviolet (UV) light is part of a family of radiations called the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. UV is subdivided into three different wavelength ranges – UVA, UVB and UVC.
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Science Ideas and Concepts
Scientific study requires a basic knowledge and understanding of ideas and concepts. This collection explains the ideas that are fundamental to You, Me and UV.
List of Science Ideas and Concepts resource items
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Positive and negative effects of UV – Information Sheet
Positive and negative effects of UV range from triggering Vitamin D development to causing skin cancer.
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Uses for UV – Information Sheet
There are a variety of ways we put ultraviolet (UV) radiation to good use – vitamin D production, sterilisation and disinfection, astronomy, fluorescence and lighting, and curing.
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UV and curing – Information Sheet
The energy of UV photons is enough to power a range of photochemical reactions. This can be put to good use to cure (harden) adhesives, resins and inks.
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UV and fluorescence – Information Sheet
Fluorescence happens when particular substances absorb UV radiation and use the energy to give off visible light. This is used in a number of helpful ways.
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UV and lighting – Information Sheet
Fluorescent tubes use UV efficiently to produce white light similar to sunlight. Other lights have been made to produce various kinds of artificial UV radiation.
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Vitamin D and UV – Information Sheet
Vitamin D plays an important role in our bodies. Very few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, so exposure to UV radiation from in sunlight is important.
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Skin structure – Information Sheet
The skin is made up of the dermis and epidermis, which includes the Malpighian layer containing basal cells and melanocytes, which can become malignant.
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Cell division – Information Sheet
The cell nucleus contains chromosomes, which carry genes made of DNA. The process of cell division ensures that the nuclear message is replicated in the new daughter cells.
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Lymphatic system – Information Sheet
The lymphatic system transports clear fluid that leaks out of blood capillaries and surrounding tissue cells. Lymph nodes produce cells called lymphocytes, which protect the body against infection.
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Skin cancer – Information Sheet
Skin – our largest organ – is susceptible to three main types of skin cancer, named after the types of cells involved.
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Basal cell carcinoma – Information Sheet
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. There are several different types, and each type looks different.
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Squamous cell carcinoma – Information Sheet
A squamous cell carcinoma – the second most common type of skin cancer – is a malignant tumour of the squamous epithelial cells and can occur in many different organs.
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Melanoma – Information Sheet
Melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – begins in the melanocyte cells. New Zealand has one of the highest incidence and death rates from melanoma in the world.
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Mistakes in DNA – Information Sheet
A mutation is a permanent change in the messages carried by the genes on the chromosome. What are these messages and what do they look like?