Students use ultraviolet sensitive beads to experiment and learn about the dangers and effects of the ultraviolet energy (UV rays) coming from our sun. The beads only change to bright colors when exposed to UV-rays. They act like pH paper does with acids and bases by changing color, but these beads show how much UV energy is present. Students take the UV sensitive beads outside to see that they change from clear to bright colors when the beads are exposed to the sun's UV rays. They first try it under a regular light to see that they do not change. Then they hold it under a UV light to observe the color change. The final part of the experiment is to test the SPF numbers of different suntan lotions by coating the beads with the lotion. By noticing how much the beads change color the students can determine how much UV protection the suntan lotion offers.
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The following is taken from a recent EPA newsletter on the SunWise Program.
"Students at morrison labs, California, are using technology to explore the science behind SunWise. Greg Morrison's science class uses many tools, including the Internet, CD-ROMs, videos, and laboratory experiments to collect, report, and analyze UV-related data. In a favorite class activity, students use hand-held UV monitors, available from EPA, to measure the intensity of UV rays at ground level. After gathering this data, the students can upload their results to the SunWise Web site. With the help of the local Rotary Club's Teacher Mini Grant Program, Morrison runs another popular experiment using UV-sensitive beads to teach students about the sun's UV rays and the effects of UV radiation on human skin and health. Outside, students observe the beads changing from clear, lightcolors to darker colors, corresponding to the strength of the sun's UV rays. The students then examine and record the effectiveness of different types of sun protection, covering the beads with sunscreens of various SPF levels, sunglasses, wet and dry clothing, and plastic.
In addition, Morrison Labs uses video tapes of national newscasts about the ozone layer, which further demonstrate the scope and breadth of the subject.
Below are some pictures from our sunscreen testing 5-12-2000
Above, Danielle records results from her testing. She is
also demonstrating sun safety by protecting her eyes from
the sun's UV energy. No cataracts for this sunsmart
student. Above, Sarah and Shannon study the colors of the
UV-sensing beads closely to notice which suncreen offers the
best protection. Above Hilary and Jennifer take a close look at their UV
experiment. Notice how these sunsafe students are useing the
shade from the building to protect their skin from too much
UV exposure. Above, Jessica gets in the spirit of the day by bringing
in her beach towel. Now that's the way to relax and do your
science experiment at the same time. Above, Jessica and Rachael check out which materials
block the most UV energy. Above, Brook and Candce take a closer look at how their
UV-sensing beads are doing. Above Candace and Sherrie are hard at work at Morrison
Labs. These sun-safe students are making good use of the
building's shade to protect their skin from the sun's UV
energy while they do their lab. They do not what to plant
any cancerous time-bombs in their skin that will go off
later in life. Above, are some sunscreens being tested. Each group got
ten sets of UV-sensing beads to test different materials
with. Students also took a look at some UV-sensing hair
clips. James gets into the spirit of the day with his
sunglasses, personal fan and boardshorts.
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