Program Description
To achieve our sun safe vision, the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation has developed and implemented a specific, tactical, sun safety program that is targeted at school children from pre-k through twelfth grade. This activist, in classroom approach, is called the SunAWARE program, and during the 2005-2006 school year, more than 15,000 students actively participated in classroom presentations and projects provided by our foundation. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise Program, and uses select elements of their standards based multi-level curriculum. This blended program combines elements of science, health care, and fun, while stressing the importance of sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
 Rob Gilman, Meteorologist WATD FM, Patriot Ledger |
Faculty Presentations
Representatives from Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation meet with school administrators, school nurses, health educators and classroom teachers to provide an overview of the SunAWARE program. Our intent is to help develop a coherent rationale for dedicating the time to teaching sun safety in school. By communicating our mission to the school’s staff, we gain powerful allies who reinforce the message of sun safety. Our lesson plans are created using an environmental science and health science framework, and are adapted to create the best holistic fit within each classroom.
Classroom Presentations
These presentations are made directly to the students, and involve a SunAWARE Leader/Health Educator from Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation with participation from a professional meteorologist. There are three separate levels of presentation, designed to be age and grade appropriate, and coordinate with the classroom curriculum.
 Jefferson School student tests UV detecting Frisbee. |
Level I – Pre-K through 3rd Grade
At this stage, students are introduced to the basics of sun protection. There are a number of interactive elements, with an emphasis on understanding the impact of ultraviolet light on the skin, and the need for sun safe behavior. A felt board is utilized to illustrate the key points of the program. A UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) monitoring program is offered to each class or school, with the requirement to monitor, record and report the UV intensity daily. UV meters are provided to each participating classroom. The students monitor the UV intensity daily, and note the numerical index and the appropriate precautions on a white board that is centrally located in the school. In addition, the UV intensity is reported daily to the federal EPA Sunwise program via the internet.
“Dear Maryellen, Thank you so much for teaching me about sun protection. I learned that the sun is the strongest in the spring and summer, and that you should reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours. I’ve learned a lot about sun protection today.Jake M. - Jefferson Elementary School, Rockland, MA
Level II – Grade 4 through Grade 8
At this level, the lessons highlight the various factors that influence UV intensity, including planetary rotation and revolution, ozone levels, altitude and weather. Building on the lessons learned in Level I, students are taught about individual risk factors associated with sun damage. A UV Reflectance Instant Camera is used to demonstrate the impact of ultraviolet light on the skin.
“Dear Maryellen, Thank you for showing us how to keep our skin safe from the rays of the sun. Thanks for showing us the proper way to put on sunscreen. I really appreciate all of the information that you have given us.”Cameron K. - Esten School, Rockland, MA
Level III – High School
At this level, lessons build upon previous class efforts and students are instructed on early detection of skin cancer. The UV Reflectance Camera (which shows sun damage) and a Risk Assessment Survey are utilized to identify individuals at risk for skin cancer. The photographs from the UV Camera provide an excellent tool to help students understand their personal risk of skin damage.