Published by Australian Academy of Science
Activities | Sun and skin – a dangerous combination

1. Protecting skin from the sun

2. Absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the atmosphere

Other activities

• Resources for schools (SunSmart, Australia)
  Provides a number of activities including:
  • SunSmart detective code – students decode a message about skin cancer.
  • SunSmart language activity – a wordsearch and fill-in-the-gap activity.
  • UV radiation postcard design activity – students design and plan to distribute a postcard.
  Teachers notes are also available.

• Behind the News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
  • Cancer dangers (22 November 2005) – students appreciate that risk-taking can lead to cancer and look at lifestyle changes to reduce the incidence of cancer. Activity sheets are available.

• BioRAP – Biological Research for Animals and People (USA)
  • Sun and skin – includes 4 lesson plans relating to skin: (Healthy skin; UV and the ozone; In the lab and; Skin cancer)

• Science NetLinks (American Association for the Advancement of Science)
  • The behaviour and health connection – students explore how personal behaviour can affect health, especially the health of your skin.
  • Sun and skin – learn about the damaging effects of sunburns and tanning, and how sunscreens work to protect us from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

• Daily Lesson Plan (New York Times, USA)
  • That healthy glow? – students create posters related to tanning and skin cancer.

• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (UK)
  • Skin structure and function – provides information and then asks a series of questions about skin structure and function.