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UV Beads

Activity Supplies

  • 6 inches elastic cord or ribbon 
  • Cotton swab
  • Two or more different strengths of sunscreen
  • Various light sources

Specialty Supplies

  • UV beads

Activity Steps

  1. Thread the beads onto the string and tie it loosely to form a bracelet on wrist.
  2. Cover the beads completely and walk outside into the sunlight.
  3. Once outside, remove your hand and observe the beads continuously. Don’t stop watching them.
  4. Have students share with a partner what they saw and whey they think it happened.
  5. After several minutes, walk into the shade. Does anything change?
  6. After observing the beads in different lights, observe the beads in different types of light. 
    1. Thread the beads onto the string and tie it loosely to form a bracelet on wrist.
    2. Cover the beads completely and walk outside into the sunlight.
    3. Once outside, remove your hand and observe the beads continuously. Don’t stop watching them.
    4. Have students share with a partner what they saw and whey they think it happened.
    5. After several minutes, walk into the shade. Does anything change?

Official Lesson Plan