Investigating UV intensity
In this activity, students use UV beads to investigate the intensity of UV rays in a range of different situations.
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.
Useful links
UV beads can be purchased from places such as:
