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  • In this activity, students use UV beads to investigate the intensity of UV rays in a range of different situations.

    Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

    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 that UV rays come from the Sun and can cause sunburn
    • demonstrate (through the use of UV beads) that various objects can block UV rays – either partially or completely.

    Download the Word file (see link below) for:

    • introduction/background notes
    • what you need
    • what to do.

    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.

    Related activities

    We also have two other activities that use UV beads, try UV bead items and Investigating sunscreens. There is also a unit plan covering this aspect of UV.

      Published 29 July 2008, Updated 1 March 2013 Referencing Hub articles
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