In preparation for a summer holiday many people turn to sunbeds to top up their tan but could this habit be endangering their life? In this activity students are working as researchers on a TV show planning a report about the claim that sunbeds cause skin cancer. Students will use knowledge about UV light to explain the link between sunbeds and skin cancer, and understand how scientific evidence can support a claim.
KS3/GCSE Working Scientifically Analysis and evaluation: interpret observations and data
KS3/GCSE Waves: uses of electromagnetic waves
Ban the Beds
Ban the Beds (Teacher guide)
Ban the Beds (Student sheets)
Lesson outline
For detailed lesson plan, download the teachers guide.
Starter: Students study a graph that appears to show a link between sunbeds and skin cancer.
Core task: Students do some research into UV light and write the introduction to the report.
Plenary: There is a scientific reason why sunbeds could cause skin cancer.
Extension: Students study evidence presented as graphs and decide which best supports the claim.
Plenary: Discussion on if they now have enough evidence to prove the claim is correct.
Weblinks
Tanning addict warns of dangers Online newspaper article about a young woman who was diagnosed with skin cancer aged 19. This is the story the activity starter is based on. Show the students the short interview.
SunSmart Website from Cancer Research UK about sunbeds.