Here's a cool and fun way to raise kids' awareness of UV exposure - UV sensitive beads. UV Beads have a chemical substance embedded into the plastic that will change color when exposed to UV radiation (sun light). The beads will remain white indoors as long as they are kept away from windows or doors where UV light can leak into the room.

This is especially great for kids in New Zealand and Australia where exposure to UV radiation and potentially developing skin cancer as a result is a real problem. You can do all sorts of experiments with them and make them into bracelets, ear rings, hair bands etc. You can also attach them to a wrist watch, mobile phone or key rings. The key thing is to get your kids to check them regularly when they are outside - ESPECIALLY ON AN OVERCAST DAY. Cover up, when they light up!

UV beads are pretty cheap and easy to get - here's a list of sites that sell them:

www.stevespanglerscience.com
www.ultrabeads.com
www.teachersource.com

Be safe in the sun!

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