LAB · ELEMENTARY (1–5)

☀️ Sun Safety & Skin Health

Sun gives us vitamin D — and damages skin DNA. Learn how to enjoy the sun safely with science-backed habits.

Progress: 0 / 4 stages complete

How to do this lab — read me first!

1.Take the pre-quiz below. Type your answer into the box for each question — it's okay if you're not sure! This shows what you already know. Spelling doesn't have to be perfect, and CAPS or lowercase both work the same.
2.Read the lab sections below the quiz — they explain the science in plain words. Tap "Go deeper" on any card for extra info.
3.Work through each lab module by tapping the bubbles near the top. Read it, then press "Mark module complete" to unlock the next one.
4.Do the hands-on sorting activity — use the up/down arrows to put the items in the right order, then press Check my order.
5.Take the post-quiz. It unlocks after you finish everything above. Type your answers in — short answers are fine, just write the main idea.
6.Sign in to save your scores and earn a badge. No account? You can still explore the whole lab.

💡 Stuck on a question? Scroll back and re-read the section about it, then return and try again. There's no time limit!

📝 Pre-quiz — what do you already know?

✏️ Type your answer in the box. Spelling close enough is OK — UPPER or lower case both work.

1. Sunscreen SPF should be at least…

2. Reapply sunscreen about every…

3. You can sunburn on cloudy days.

4. UVA vs UVB — which is mostly responsible for sunburn?

5. ‘Broad-spectrum’ sunscreen means it blocks…

6. The single biggest factor in skin-cancer risk is…

UV 101

UV damages DNA in skin cells. Over years that increases cancer risk and ages skin. Sunscreen, shade, and clothing all help.

Smart habits

· SPF 30+ broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB)
· Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming/sweating
· Hat + sunglasses (UV damages eyes too)
· Shade between 10 AM – 4 PM when UV is strongest

All skin tones can get skin cancer

Darker skin has more melanin and burns less easily, but skin cancer in darker skin is often diagnosed later and harder to treat.

Go deeper

Bob Marley died at 36 from melanoma found late on his toe. Anyone — any tone — should check moles and see a doctor if one changes shape, color, or size.

Vitamin D balance

You need a little UV for vitamin D, but 5–10 min on arms/legs is plenty for most people. Food and supplements can cover the rest.

Key vocabulary

UV (ultraviolet): Invisible high-energy light from the sun that can damage DNA.
SPF: Sun Protection Factor — how much UVB the sunscreen blocks.
Melanin: Pigment that gives skin color and absorbs some UV.

Lab modules

Work through each module in order. Mark each one complete to unlock the post-quiz.

UV science

UV light is invisible high-energy radiation. UVB burns the surface; UVA penetrates deeper and drives aging + DNA damage. Both cause skin cancer.

UVA vs UVB

· UVB → sunburn, vitamin D, surface DNA damage
· UVA → deep wrinkles, immune suppression, melanoma risk
· 'Broad-spectrum' sunscreen blocks both

How SPF really works

SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB; SPF 50 blocks ~98%. Above SPF 50, gains are tiny. Reapplication matters more than the number.

Key takeaways from this module

Both UVA and UVB matter — pick broad-spectrum.
SPF 30 is the sweet spot; reapply every 2 hours.
Clouds and water don't block UV.

Hands-on activity: Smart sun-day routine

Order the sun-safety steps for a long beach day.

1.Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum 15 min before sun
2.Hat + sunglasses on
3.Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
4.Check the UV index
5.Seek shade 10am–4pm
6.Check skin that evening for changes

Apply it — real-world challenge

Tomorrow, check the UV index in your weather app. Plan your outdoor time around it.

Post-quiz locked

Finish all 4 lab modules (0/4 done). Complete the hands-on activity above.