Teach Engineering
Skin and the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation
Though UV radiation can damage skin, it isn't all bad. The third installment in a six-part series allows the class to study the structure and function of skin. They learn about the different types of skin cancer and the SPF rating...
Purdue University
Can You Make an Ultra Violet (UV) Light Detector?
Light the way to a better understanding of UV radiation. After exploring how UV beads work, future engineers design investigations to answer questions about UV radiation. They then create and test prototypes of a device that detects UV...
Curated OER
UV Beads
Young scholars recognize preventitive measures that can be taken to reduce the risks associated with exposure to solar radiation. They explain why solar radiation can be harmful. They utilize beads that turn color when exposed to UV...
Curated OER
UV Rays, sunscreen effectiveness
Students identify and define that invisible UV rays can be harmful. Then they explore the effects of UV radiation on objects that react UV rays and what products are most effective in blocking UV rays. Students also make predictions...
Curated OER
Exploring Ultraviolet (UV) Light From the Sun
Middle schoolers identify the different energy given off by the sun. In this earth science instructional activity, students predict where the UV beads will turn the darkest color. They explain the importance of using UV protection.
Curated OER
There's More to Light than Meets the Eye
Learners explore the concept that not all light is visible to the
human eye. Although UV light is not visible, it can still be harmful, causing sunburns or skin cancer. They use special beads to detect UV light around the school....
Colorado State University
Would You Get a Sunburn on Mars?
What are the best materials for preventing sunburn? Young scholars consider this question as they test materials for the presence of ultraviolet light. They use a string of beads that changes color with different intensities of UV light.
Curated OER
I'm So Bright, I Wear My Shades Indoors
Students observe and draw energy using UV beads. They describe how light can be produced, reflected, refracted, and separated into visible light of various colors.
Curated OER
Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.Â
Curated OER
Solar Lesson
First graders complete sunlight and solar effects activities to learn about light and its power. In this solar activity lesson, 1st graders complete a sunscreen test activity, a light test, a black light test, a cloudy test, a sunglasses...
Teach Engineering
How Effective is Your Sunscreen?
Protect skin from UV radiation! Groups design and conduct an experiment to test the effectiveness of UV safety products. The groups collect the data from the experiment and prepare a lab report. In the second day of the activity,...
Curated OER
As the Sun Burns
Students investigate the sun's energy. They explore various websites, demonstrate proper solar protection, conduct experiments using special UV beads, and complete worksheets.
Curated OER
Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum
Your older elementary learners investigate electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic spectrum. They will observe 7 items represented in the electromagnetic spectrum and make a poster of all the things the items have in common. After...
Curated OER
Nanoscience and Sunscreen
Learners use the topic of sunscreen to explore the "issues related to size and scale" as energy and matter interact. They compare the visible opacity of different substances to their ability to block ultraviolet radiation.
Curated OER
The Invisible Energy in Light
Young scholars investigate radiant energy. In this earth science instructional activity, students use solar beads and clear sunscreen to observe radiant solar energy. Young scholars note observations.
Curated OER
Exploring Solar Beads
Students discover solar energy beads and learn about ultraviolet light. In this solar energy lesson, students learn about solar energy beads, ultraviolet light, and UV radiation dangers. Students experiment with the beads to identify.
Curated OER
Check out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students investigate how effective sunscreens and blocking devices are in blocking UV. For this physics lesson, students collect and graph their data from the experiment. They explain the harmful effects of UV radiation to everything...
Curated OER
As the Sun Burns
Students test commercial sunscreens or sunglasses for accuracy of their Sun Protection Factor. They devise a method for testing UV beads with a visual clues which they publish as research. They investigate occupations such as...
Curated OER
Remote Sensing and the Electromagnetitc Spectrum
Fifth graders conclude that each color of the spectrum has a different amount of thermal energy by measuring temperature with a thermometer. They infer that there is an invisible band of the spectrum by measuring temperature beyond the...
Curated OER
Suncsreen
This is a terrific resource for practicing the scientific method or for examining the claims of different sunscreens when learning about electromagnetic radiation. You may have to improvise, however, as it was written to accompany a...
NASA
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
Science is magic that works. Magical color-changing beads and a coffee can that follows voice commands are just two examples of magic tricks that rely on science. After completing a hands-on activity and an experiment investigating the...
Curated OER
Is It Hot in the Light?
Third graders make observations about the temperature of items in direct sunlight. In groups, they discuss why asphalt, brick and cement are warmer than items surrounding them. To end the lesson, they examine how heat transfers energy...
Curated OER
Sunlight Necklaces
Third graders review the placement and role of the sun in the solar system. Using beads, they create a necklace which they can use to identify the amount of sunlight is being illuminated. In groups, they record observations on the...
Curated OER
Summer Science Lesson Plans
You can use these lesson plans to incorporate some science into your summer.