Investigating sunscreens
In this activity, students use UV beads to investigate the effectiveness of different sunscreen lotions.
UV beads
UV beads change colour when exposed to ultraviolet light. The beads return to their clear, colourless form when the exposure ends.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
explain the connection between UV rays from the Sun and sunburn
explain how our skin can be protected through the use of sunscreen
explain the Sun protection factor (SPF) and how it relates to different levels of protection.
Download the Word file for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
extension ideas
student handout.
Related content
Too much UV exposure can have negative effects. There is a clear link between UV and skin cancer.
Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are three common types of cancer associated with UV exposure.
Find out why New Zealand skin cancer rates are so high, risks from children’s exposure to UV and some of skin cancer's risk factors, including sunbeds.
Related activities
We also have two other activities that use UV beads – try UV bead items and Investigating UV intensity. There is also a unit plan covering this aspect of UV.
Useful links
UV beads can be purchased from places such as:
