Sun Safety Lab

Pre-lab Questions:

1. Explain your experiment. Be sure to write down what you need to bring in to test (sunglasses, shirts, sunscreen).

2. What are the variables you will be testing in the lab? (Remember you can only have one independent and dependent variable.)

3. What is being kept constant?

4. What are your predictions for your tests?

Procedure:

If Testing Sunscreen

1. Take a piece of photosensitive paper.
2. Divide the strip into thirds
3. Cover one third of the strip with construction paper (this will be the control)
4. On the back of the strip write down what the test is (example: SPF 30 sun tan lotion or cotton shirt.
5. Place the strips side by side in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and staple through the bag to hold the squares in place.
6. Spread the lotion on the bottom square.
7. Place strips in sunlight, until reaction has completed.
8. Take the staples out and rinse the strips for one minute in cold water.
9. Observe the squares and record you observations.

If Testing Material

1. Take a piece of photosensitive paper.
2. Divide the strip into thirds
3. Cover one third of the strip with construction paper (this will be the control)
4. On the back of the strip write down what the test is (example: SPF 30 sun tan lotion or cotton shirt)
5. Attach the fabric to the bottom square and staple it on.
6. Place strips in sunlight, until reaction has completed.
7. Take the staples out and rinse the strips for one minute in cold water.
8. Observe the squares and record you observations.

Analysis and Conclusions: Post-Lab Questions

1. Did your test show appropriate protection against sun exposure? How do you know?
2. Which provided the most protection? Which provided the least protection? How did your results compare with your predictions?
3. What advice would you give to people about protecting their bodies from the sun?