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Children's Health Curriculum Lesson 4: Be Sun Smart

Lesson 4

This lesson teaches kids about the sun and why plants, animals, and humans need it. It also explains how the sun can be harmful and ways to protect ourselves from it.

Kids Will Be Able To

  • define sunscreen, sunburn, vitamin D, and ultraviolet (UV) light;
  • explain basic information about the sun;
  • list three things that the sun provides which we need; and
  • list three ways that they can protect themselves from too much sun.

How To Get This Lesson

  • The complete lesson plan offers everything you need, including all visual materials.

Download the complete lesson plan

Lesson 4: Be Sun Smart

Download parts of the lesson plan

Instructor materials:
Lesson Cards (PDF) (9 pp, 3 MB)

Handouts for students:
Take Home Talk (PDF) (2 pp, 894 K)

Visuals:

Poster 1 Sunsafe (PDF) (2 pp, 718 K)
Poster 1 Sunsafe

Poster 2 Sunsafe (PDF) (2 pp, 903 K)
Poster 2 Sunsafe

Poster 3 Sunsafe (PDF) (2 pp, 503 K)
Poster 3 Sunsafe

Additional Resources

Instructor Resources

  • AirNow: Air Quality Index Basics
  • AirNow: For Students
  • SunWise Downloads  - EPA's program transferred to the National Environmental Education Foundation - includes activities, posters and teacher background materials
  • EPA: The Sun, UV, and You: A Guide to SunWise Behavior
  • EPA: Action Steps for Sun Safety

Kids' Activities / Coloring Sheets

  • EPA: SunWise Activity Book

Curriculum home

Children's Health

  • What You Can Do
    • Children Are Not Little Adults
  • Children's Health Protection Where You Live
  • Childhood Lifestages
  • Healthcare Provider Resources
  • Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee
  • Children's Health Outreach
  • Children's Health Guidance and Tools
Contact Us about Children's Health
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 6, 2025
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