Sun Safety Awareness

Lesson Plan Overview

This three-lesson plan is designed for Year 7 students in Australia, focusing on sun safety. These lessons align with the Australian Curriculum in Health and Physical Education, specifically targeting personal, social, and community health with an emphasis on developing skills and understanding related to well-being and safety practices.

Lesson 1: SunSmart Awareness

Duration: 40 minutes

Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education, Years 7-8

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the concept of UV radiation and its effects on health.
• Identify common myths about sun exposure.
• Discuss the importance of being SunSmart.

Materials Needed:

• UV rating charts
• Whiteboard and markers
• SunSmart myth buster fact sheets
• Projector for video playback

Lesson Structure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

   • Begin with a short discussion on what students already know about sun exposure and its effects.
   • Present a brief video on how UV radiation affects the skin.

2. Activity (20 minutes):

   • Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a SunSmart myth buster fact sheet.
   • Ask students to discuss and then present their findings to the class, addressing common myths about the sun.

3. Conclusion (10 minutes):

   • Summarise the session with key points on why it's essential to be aware of UV rays.
   • Introduce the term 'UV Index' and explain how it is used to measure daily sun exposure risks.

Lesson 2: Living a Healthy Life

Duration: 40 minutes

Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education, Years 7-8

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the components of a healthy lifestyle.
• Explain the role of sun safety within overall health practices.
• Develop strategies for living healthily under the sun.

Materials Needed:

• List of healthy lifestyle components
• Posters or charts
• Markers
• Handouts with health tips

Lesson Structure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Introduce the concept of a holistic approach to health, detailing how sun safety fits within a broader picture of wellness.

2. Discussion (15 minutes):

   • Work collaboratively to list five components of a healthy lifestyle on the board (e.g., nutrition, physical activity, mental health, sun safety, sleep).

3. Activity (15 minutes):

   • In groups, students will create a poster highlighting how sun safety contributes to each component of a healthy lifestyle.
   • Encourage creativity; students can use diagrams, slogans, or even act out scenarios.

4. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes):

   • Display posters and discuss key insights and strategies for incorporating sun safety into daily routine.

Lesson 3: Health Risks of the Sun & Protective Practices

Duration: 40 minutes

Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education, Years 7-8

Learning Objectives:

• Identify health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
• Discuss strategies for protecting oneself from UV rays.
• Practise decision-making skills to stay safe in the sun.

Materials Needed:

• Case study handouts (hypothetical scenarios)
• Protective items (e.g., sunscreen, hats, sunglasses)
• Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Structure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Begin with a quick recap of the previous lessons' contents. Aim to connect the dots between lifestyle choices and sun exposure risks.

2. Case Study Analysis (20 minutes):

   • Provide students with fictional scenarios where individuals are at risk due to sun exposure (e.g., planning a day at the beach).
   • Task students with identifying the risks present and discussing protective measures they could take.

3. Interactive Demonstration (10 minutes):

   • Show how to apply sunscreen correctly and discuss the significance of using other protective gear like hats and sunglasses.

4. Conclusion (5 minutes):

   • Have students share personal action plans for sun safety, ensuring they consider individual preferences and routines.
   • Encourage students to implement these protective practices in their daily lives.

Assessment:

• Through participation in discussions and activities.
• Evaluation of posters and individual action plans.

These lessons aim to empower students to take an active role in their sun safety, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions regarding outdoor activities in the Australian climate.