This solar science kit allows kids to do 4 fun experiments. The activities will teach kids about sunlight and ultraviolet light (UV light). They can also help kids understand why it’s important to wear sunscreen when going outside.
What is UV light?
The sun gives off visible light that allows us to see the things around us. But did you know that the sun also gives off invisible light? This cool solar science kit is a great way to help kids understand more about this invisible light coming from the sun.
Ultraviolet light is light that cannot be seen by human eyes. Although invisible, UV light can still affect humans in many ways. For example, exposure to UV light can cause eye injury and damage to materials colored with organic dye.
Skin exposed to UV light can also suffer from painful sunburn. This is because UV light can break the chemical bonds in skin tissue causing skin wrinkles or even cancer. That’s why it’s very important to wear sunscreen when spending time under the sun.
Why it’s important to wear sunscreen:
Wearing sunscreen helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV light from the sun. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburns, premature skin aging (ex. wrinkles and dark spots), and skin cancer. It’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or snowy outside. This is because 80% of the sun’s rays are still able to pass through clouds, and UV rays reflected in the snow can still cause damage to the skin.
Sunscreens contain ingredients that block harmful UV rays from the sun. Sunscreens usually have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number indicated in their labels. This number indicates the level of sunburn protection the product can give. Generally, the higher the SPF, the better the product can protect against sunburn.
What you’ll love about this kit:
- Kids can do 4 fun experiments and several extension activities to learn about sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light.
- The kit includes an instruction sheet with scientific explanations of the concepts kids will learn from doing the experiments.
- Kids can make a UV bead bracelet that they can wear when they’re out in the sun. The bracelet will remind them when it’s time to re-apply sunscreen.
What the kit includes:
- UV beads
- elastic bracelet string
- UV light pen
- sunscreen
- diffraction glasses
- solar print papers
The kit also includes detailed step-by-step instructions and scientific explanations along with many extension activities.
Recommended for ages 8 years and up.
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