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What do you know about UV exposure and its impact on the body and other surface areas? Explore the science of UV radiation and why sun protection matters. Through this topic, students in Years 5-10 will measure body surface area, test sunscreen using UV beads, analyse data, refine methods, and communicate findings like real scientists. Teachers are supported with ready‑to‑use lesson sequences, curriculum links, assessments, and activities aligned to the Scientific Inquiry Cycle - Launch, Inquire, Act.

Together, these resources blend CSIRO research, Cancer Council guidance and cultural Knowledge to inform students about sun safety, while encouraging them to become SunSmart ambassadors in their communities.

Teacher guide

Teacher guide

The teacher guide supports educators to deliver the Sun Protection topic, including discussion prompts, equipment lists, and activities to extend student learning. All topics are aligned to the Scientific Inquiry Continuum and Australian Curriculum. Use this as a guide when planning lessons and structuring learning across the unit.

Teacher guide 

Teacher guide - accessible version 

Student and teacher resources

Classroom presentation

This classroom-ready presentation supports teachers to explore the science of UV radiation, effective sun safety with real-world examples, and step‑by‑step instructions for investigation activities, while encouraging students to design, test, analyse, and present their own solutions. Use it in your classroom to reinforce key ideas through discussion and initiate hands-on learning.

Wind turbine silhouetted against the sun at the CSIRO Energy Centre, Newcastle, NSW. 

Classroom presentation PowerPoint 

 

Student workbook

The student workbook is designed for students to use with teacher guidance or independently. Students will explore the science of sun safety through a series of activities, including measuring body surface area and testing different sunscreen types using UV beads. Everything you need is built-in, including planners, investigation templates, testing procedures, reflection prompts, and reflection tools.

The student worksheets have been designed for printing.

Sun rising behind young girl with dog carrying surfboard to beach, taken in Victoria, Australia. 

Student workbook 

Student workbook - accessible version 

 

About

What do you know about UV exposure and its impact on the body and other surface areas? Explore the science of UV radiation and why sun protection matters. Through this topic, students in Years 5-10 will measure body surface area, test sunscreen using UV beads, analyse data, refine methods, and communicate findings like real scientists. Teachers are supported with ready‑to‑use lesson sequences, curriculum links, assessments, and activities aligned to the Scientific Inquiry Cycle - Launch, Inquire, Act.

Together, these resources blend CSIRO research, Cancer Council guidance and cultural Knowledge to inform students about sun safety, while encouraging them to become SunSmart ambassadors in their communities.

Teacher guide

Teacher guide

The teacher guide supports educators to deliver the Sun Protection topic, including discussion prompts, equipment lists, and activities to extend student learning. All topics are aligned to the Scientific Inquiry Continuum and Australian Curriculum. Use this as a guide when planning lessons and structuring learning across the unit.

Teacher guide  PDF (1 MB)

Teacher guide - accessible version  TXT (22 KB)

Student and teacher resources

Classroom presentation

This classroom-ready presentation supports teachers to explore the science of UV radiation, effective sun safety with real-world examples, and step‑by‑step instructions for investigation activities, while encouraging students to design, test, analyse, and present their own solutions. Use it in your classroom to reinforce key ideas through discussion and initiate hands-on learning.

 
Wind turbine silhouetted against the sun at the CSIRO Energy Centre, Newcastle, NSW.
©  Kayla Steele Photography

Classroom presentation PowerPoint  PPTX (280 MB)

 

Student workbook

The student workbook is designed for students to use with teacher guidance or independently. Students will explore the science of sun safety through a series of activities, including measuring body surface area and testing different sunscreen types using UV beads. Everything you need is built-in, including planners, investigation templates, testing procedures, reflection prompts, and reflection tools.

The student worksheets have been designed for printing.

 
Sun rising behind young girl with dog carrying surfboard to beach, taken in Victoria, Australia.

Student workbook  PDF (2 MB)

Student workbook - accessible version  TXT (27 KB)

 

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