S1-3 Sun & Sun Care Teacher Notes
Introduction
This section covers several aspects of sun and sun care within 5-14 Guidelines Science and Health Education syllabuses. The intention is to provide online content and activities for pupils, along with additional teacher support in the form of suggestions and ideas for classroom work and downloadable activity sheets. The pupil content begins with an introduction on the basic facts about the Sun and leads through the Sun as an energy source to the key aspects of sunlight, its affects on skin and sun safety regime.
Curriculum references
5-14 National Guidelines
Environmental Studies ~ Science ~ Earth and space
| Strand | Level |
|---|---|
| Earth in space | D-E |
Environmental Studies ~ Science ~ Energy and forces
| Strand | Level |
|---|---|
| Properties and uses of energy | B-F |
| Conversion and transfer of energy | C-E |
Environmental Studies ~ Science ~ living things and the processes of life
| Strand | Level |
|---|---|
| The processes of life | C-E |
Health Education ~ taking responsibility for health
| Strand | Level |
|---|---|
| Physical health | C-E |
| Emotional health | C-E |
| Social health | D |
Classroom Applications
Introduction
Begin with a class discussion on the Sun. This should bring out the idea that:
- the Sun is a source of energy for all life on Earth
- sunlight is beneficial to life
- over-exposure to sunlight can be harmful
- day and night are caused by the Earth spinning on its axis
Learning outcomes
- That the Sun is a light source.
- Review knowledge and understanding of the relationship between Sun, Earth and Moon.
Extension work
Pupils should design and make a model which represents the solar system with the Sun as the central light source. Objects such as tennis balls, oranges and other spherical objects can be used to represent the planets.
Safety
Warn pupils against looking directly at the Sun.
The source of energy
This section is an overview of the Sun and its role as the main source of Earth's energy through:
- radiation
- photosynthesis
- fossil fuel energy
- solar energy
Learning outcomes
- The Sun is the energy source of almost all the Earth's energy resources.
- That light is the energy source of green plants.
- Coal, mineral oil and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels, which are formed from organic and non-renewable materials over many millions of years.
- That white light can be dispersed to give a range of different colours.
Extension work
Demonstrate how white light can produce a spectrum when shone through a prism.
If the appropriate components are available pupils could design and make a simple circuit to power a light bulb from solar energy.
Sunlight
This section takes a brief look at ultraviolet light and gives and overview of the two types of UV rays, UV-A and UV-VB, and their effects on the skin. Pupils are then introduced to the concept of exposure to sunlight and the benefits and harmful effects on the human body.
Learning outcomes
- Explain day and night, and the apparent movement of the Sun.
- The position of the overhead sun and impact on exposure to sunlight.
- That deficiencies in specific nutrients lead to specific diseases.
Extension work
Activities - Design an experiment to demonstrate how ultraviolet light is absorbed by dark surfaces and reflected by light surfaces.
Skin cancer
This section provides a brief overview of malignant melanoma, skin cancer caused by prolonged over-exposure to the Sun. The camera image shows cancerous tissue in the skin.
Learning outcomes
- Over-exposure to sunlight can be harmful.
Extension work
Activities - pupils undertake an Internet search to find out about the statistics of skin cancer in the UK. They can make a pie chart of their findings, i.e. what percentage of the UK population have skin cancer. A comparison with other countries could be undertaken to show the impact of climate on skin cancer.
Sun safety
This section provides pupils with a sun safe regime and highlights the key aspects of sun care in summer and winter.
Learning outcomes
- The need to be aware of the dangers of sunlight in summer and winter.
- How to avoid sunburn and over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Extension work
Activity - pupils design and publish a sun safety poster/leaflet for school use. Highlighting the need for safety in summer and winter.
Summary
A brief synopsis of the information covered.
The web game
A true/false game to consolidate the information covered and test student knowledge. If the facts have not been successfully processed, the student is guided back into the study topic.
Useful web links
Sun care and SPF information is available at:
Suncare Tips Leaflet
HEA Guidelines for schools
Cancer Research UK is one of the world's leading cancer research organisations. For information on cancer visit their web site at:
The Met Office monitors the the UV Solar forecast for the UK and Europe, as well as real time UV data. This information is available at:
Downloads
Pupil Section Exe Files
These are versions of the pupil material for this topic that you can download and use offline. Simply save the .exe file to your desktop and double-click it.
Sun Care
PDF files
Sun, Light, Night and Day - PDF Activity Sheet
Invisible Waves - PDF Activity Sheet
Letter to Parents containing general advice about sun care
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