Case Study – ‘Dying to get a tan: notions about lotions’

Intel® Mini Scientist Competition by students from St John’s National School, Cratloe Co. Clare

A group of 6th class students at St John’s National School in Cratloe Co. Clare undertook a project entitled ‘Dying to get a tan: notions about lotions’ for the Intel® mini scientist competition 2024.

The students came second at their school’s competition. They distributed a questionnaire to 64 of their peers; they blind tested how much sunscreen they typically apply to their legs and compared it against the recommended amount; they used a UV meter to measure the blocking effects of SPF on a UV sensor under various different real life environmental conditions.

Sixth class students L-R: Charlie Ormston, Harry Reddin, Mark Browne and Dylan McAuliffe; St John’s National School, Cratloe, Co Clare.

The 3 research questions were:

What do students in 5th and 6th class currently know about sunscreen?
How much suntan lotion do students really apply?
What common environmental factors reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen once it has been applied?

They then made various recommendations about how awareness of the harmful effects of the sun and UV protection could be enhanced within the school.
The Intel® Mini Scientist competition gives primary school students from 4th, 5th and 6th class the opportunity to explore science and technology through project based learning and exhibitions.

‘The results of the boys’ project were very enlightening. They got a real insight into the fact that many of their peers are not aware of how to correctly use SPF, when to use it, how much to apply and how often it should be reapplied. It was amazing to see the demonstration of how the effectiveness of SPF product reduces over time and by being washed off by water or sweat. Their recommendations to the school are a great means of enhancing sun protection education within the school community’. Maria McEnery, NCCP Cancer Prevention Officer

Related.

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We want everyone in Ireland to learn to Protect & Inspect their skin! To learn more visit our information booklets page to download our ‘Protect & Inspect’ resources and our ‘Everyone Under the Sun’ booklet.