Sun & skin
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=422
A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Healthful Living
Part of the Skin Deep Project, a partnership between AAAS and Neutrogena, this lesson teaches students about the damaging effects of sunburns and tanning, and how sunscreens work to protect humans from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Students discuss what they already know about the impact sun exposure has on their skin and what they typically do to protect themselves. Using a number of online resources, students learn how to care for their skin, the damaging effects of sunburns and tanning, and how sunscreens provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Students participate in large group discussion and small group research that will inform them about the different functions of the skin, tanning, sunburns and skin damage. In the final activity in this lesson, students write a letter to a friend offering advice either for or against the use of sunscreens or tanning salons. Science NetLinks provides student handouts, teacher resources, research questions, and links to web resources on the four topics. This lesson also contains links to sites that provide information about sunless tanning products from How Stuff Works, UV radiation and each state’s percent of yearly sunshine, and Sunsmart, an Australian project to minimize sun exposure, as well as related lesson plans.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Healthful Living Education (2006)
Grade 9–12
- Goal 2: The learner will develop knowledge and skills to enhance personal and consumer health.
- Objective 2.08: Compare and contrast how positive and negative health behaviors can have life long effects.
