Rays of Sunshine

In science, we are almost done with our second Project Lead the Way module.  This module on the sun, moon, and stars has been out of this world.  We certainly spent more time on the unit than the original plan suggests.  However, this inquiry based science module took the children all around the solar system.  Our latest experiment was about the sun's ultraviolet rays. The students each got 4 mystery beads.  We made them into bracelets and drew what they looked like.  Then we walked out side....WOW!!!

The beads changed color in the sun!  Amazing.  The beads went back to white or clear after a few seconds out of the sun. When we came back inside, we tried to figure out the why.  Students discussed that the sun gives us heat or light.  So we tried to use a flashlight to shine direct light.  That didn't work.  We tried heating up the beads, no luck there either.  It was the perfect opportunity to introduce a UV flashlight and talk about the invisible rays.  The students were fascinated.

As good scientists do, the students generated more questions about ultraviolet rays. The students wanted to know if sunblock on the beads would change the effect.  So we set up an experiment to test.  We make more bracelets but this time we had a bracelet with no sunscreen, a bracelet with SPF 30 and a bracelet with SPF 50.  Are you curious?  Stay tuned for results.