United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6205J
EPA 430-K-00-005
May 2000
www.epa.gov/sunwise
wEPA The SunWise School
Program Guide
) Printed on paper that contains at least 30 percent postconsumer fiber.
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Introduction
1
The SunWise School Program 4-11
How Do We Become a SunWise Partner School? 6
What Tools Are Available to SunWise Partner Schools? 7
How Will SunWise Be Evaluated? 9
Why Should Schools Participate in SunWise? 10
Be SunWise: Action Steps for Sun Protection
Acknowledgments
Additional Sun-Protection Resources . . . .
SunWise Registration Form
11
13
14
. Center
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Children spend lots of time outdoors during recess, physical edu-
cation classes, after-school activities, and sports programs. While
some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable and healthy, too
much can be dangerous. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can
cause serious health effects, including skin cancer and other skin disor-
ders, eye damage and cataracts, and immune system suppression.
Currently, one in five Americans develops skin cancer during their life-
time. Every hour one person dies from this disease. The incidence of
melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is increasing faster than
almost every form of cancer.1
You can make a difference! Children are of particular concern since most
of the average person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18.
By educating ourselves and our children about UV-related health effects
and the steps for sun protection, we can ensure a healthy future for the
next generation.
Without the sun's light and heat, our planet could not support
human, animal, or plant life. While necessary for
our existence, however, the sun also
can threaten our health
with its UV radiation. UV
radiation comes in sever-
al forms (i.e., UV-A, UV-
B, and UV-C) that affect
human health in different
ways. In particular, we
must protect ourselves from
UV-A and UV-B, which pene-
trate the Earth's stratospheric
ozone layer.
Due to the depletion of the
ozone layer, increased levels of
harmful UV radiation are likely to
1 American Cancer Society, "Cancer Facts 6s Figures 1999."
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The SunWise School Program Guide
reach the Earth. These heightened levels may cause the incidence and
severity of UV-related health effects to rise, particularly given current sun-
protection practices in the United States. Since the condition of the ozone
layer is not expected to improve significantly until the middle of the 21st
century, we need to change our sun behaviors now in order to protect our
future health.
Many believe that only lighter-skinned people need to be concerned about
the effects of overexposure to the sun. Though it is true that darker skin
has more natural pigment, which acts as a protectant, the skin is still sus-
ceptible to many of the damaging effects of UV radiation. The incidence of
skin cancer is lower in dark-skinned people, but it still occurs and is often
not detected until later stages when it is more dangerous. The risk of other
UV-related health effects, such as cataracts, premature aging of the skin,
and immune suppression, is not dependent upon skin type.
The good news is that UV-related health effects are largely preventable
by instituting sun-protection practices early and consistently. Schools and
teachers can play a major role in protecting children by teaching sun
safety behaviors.
To help educators raise sun safety awareness, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the SunWise School Program, a
national education program for children in grades K through 8. SunWise
Partner Schools sponsor classroom and schoolwide activities that raise
children's awareness of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and
simple sun safety practices. SunWise is a collaborative effort of schools,
communities, teachers, parents, health professionals, environmental
'Sy^^r fkiw cancer
effect!
are lately preventable.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
groups, meteorologists, educational organizations, and others. With
everyone's help, sun protection can grow beyond classrooms to the
entire community.
The SunWise School Program Guide is designed to provide school adminis-
trators, teachers, nurses, and other childhood caregivers with a general
overview of SunWise and the components of the program. Additional
brochures and fact sheets are available by calling EPAs Stratospheric
Ozone Information Hotline at 800 296-1996 or by visiting the SunWise
Web site at .
SunWise is intended to actively engage children in the learning process. Its
dual focus on health and the environment will help children develop the
skills necessary for sustained SunWise behavior and an appreciation for
the environment around them.
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The SunWise School Program is an VN *V /'
environmental and health education V~. •f\
' Co
program that aims to teach children and
^•^
their caregivers how to protect themselves from o n
overexposure to the sun. Through the use of class- 0 *
room-based, school-based, and community-based ' P V °
components, SunWise seeks to develop sustained
sun-safe behaviors in schoolchildren.
The program's learning components build on a solid combination of
traditional and innovative education practices already in use in many U.S.
elementary and middle schools. Through the program, students and
teachers will increase their awareness of simple steps they can take to pro-
tect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Students will demonstrate
the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks.
Children also will acquire scientific knowledge and develop an under-
standing of the environmental concepts related
to sun protection.
The program encourages schools to provide a
sun-safe infrastructure, including shade struc-
tures (e.g., canopies, trees) and policies (e.g.,
using hats, sunscreen, sunglasses) that promote
sun protection in a school setting. Though
based in schools, SunWise also supports com-
munity partnerships, such as inviting guest
speakers to school assemblies, to enhance sun
safety efforts.
Recognizing the many issues schools are asked to address daily, SunWise
has been developed with the needs of schools and educators in mind. The
program is designed to provide maximum flexibility—elements can be
used as stand-alone teaching tools or to complement existing school cur-
ricula. The time commitment necessary to implement SunWise is mini-
mal, while the potential payoff in lower skin cancer rates—and other
health benefits in the future—is high.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
The SunWise School Program has been targeted for national implementa-
tion in the 2000-2001 school year. The components of the SunWise
Program outlined below are available to Partner Schools free of charge.
y SunWise Student Survey
y Cross-Curricular
Classroom Lessons
y Internet Learning,
Including UV
Measurement and
Reporting
y Evaluation of SunWise
School Program
fckool
y
Suggestions for
Infrastructure
Enhancements
(e.g., sun-safe policies
and structures)
y Ideas for School-Based
Sun Safety Activities (e.;
school assemblies)
y Evaluation of SunWise
School Program
y Suggestions for
Community Partnerships
(e.g., guest speakers and
business partnerships)
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The SunWise School Program Guide
0o tye
Partner
Becoming a SunWise Partner School is easy! Any elemen-
tary or middle school in the United States may participate in the SunWise
School Program. A single classroom, multiple classrooms, a school, or
an entire school district may join. To become a SunWise Partner School,
you must:
1. Register as a SunWise Partner School. Educators are asked to
complete the registration form located on the SunWise Web site at
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Mat Tool; Are Available to
Parser
Based on the activities you choose, you will receive,
free of charge, materials and tools to help you
implement SunWise in your classroom or school.
A Tool Kit containing cross-curricular classroom
lessons and background information for K through
8th grade learning levels is available to all SunWise
Partner Schools. The Tool Kit consists of a variety
of fun, developmentally appropriate activities that
combine education about sun protection and the
environment with other aspects of learning.
Information for schools interested in promoting
sun protection through infrastructure enhance-
ments also is available in the Tool Kit. These materials feature suggestions on
reaching out to schools and families with sun safety policies, forming commu-
nity partnerships, making structural changes, and organizing sun safety
events. The Tool Kit also includes an extensive list of other sun-protection
resources.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
UV 0ataba;e
In order to make the best use of innovative educational and information-
sharing technologies, EPA developed an Internet Learning Site as part of
its main SunWise Program Web site. An easy-to-use, interactive medium
for children, the Internet Learning Site features drop-down lists, check
boxes, radio buttons, and eye-catching icons. Students and teachers can
use the site to:
^ Report and interpret daily measurements of UV radiation.
^ Participate in online, interactive educational activities.
^ Locate additional resources on sun protection, health, and the
environment.
Through the Internet Learning Site, students can enter daily UV data,
weather conditions, and information regarding daily sun-protection prac-
tices. The students' UV measurements will consist of:
^ Community-specific UV Index data derived from the National
Weather Service Web site.
^ Actual data obtained from hand-held UV monitoring devices (lent
to schools by the SunWise Program).
Once schools register, teachers will receive secure IDs for entering daily
UV data on the Internet Learning Site.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Ml Wi/i;e Be EvaUated?
The SunWise School Program recognizes a particular
challenge in measuring the effectiveness of its effort to
create sustained SunWise behavior, especially given
the latency period associated with the onset of
UV-related health effects. Therefore, the careful
and consistent evaluation of program effec-
tiveness through a variety of interim mea-
surements—including input from educators
and students—is integral to SunWise's
success. In addition to the SunWise Student Survey, EPA plans to
utilize other voluntary evaluation tools, including:
y SunWise Parent Survey: Research indicates that child behaviors
are based, in large part, on modeling adult behaviors. If possible,
randomly selected schools will ask parents to complete a simple,
10-minute take-home survey to identify their current sun safety
practices and observed behavior of their children. (Note: Surveying is
conducted for the sole purpose of evaluating the SunWise Program to
help improve its messages and approaches. All personal information
will remain anonymous and confidential.)
y Teacher Evaluation of Classroom Activities: Teachers will be asked to
evaluate student receptivity to sun safety lessons and Internet learning.
Teacher feedback about the usefulness of classroom and school mate-
rials will be vital to the refinement of sun safety education materials.
y Teacher and School Administrator Evaluation of Infrastructure
Improvements: Teachers and school administrators will be asked to
evaluate the practicality and success of proposed sun-protection policy
changes, infrastructure enhancements, and the SunWise Program as
a whole.
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10 7*2 The SunWise School Program Guide
My flutfU IcKoolf Participate i*
Being a part of SunWise is a fun, easy, and effective way to protect the
health of the children in your school. SunWise is a national education pro-
gram designed to teach children not only about the health effects of over-
exposure to UV radiation and how to avoid them, but also about the envi-
ronmental effects of ozone depletion. The program focuses on the whole
spectrum of health effects, including skin cancer, eye damage, and other
illnesses, and is appropriate for diverse school populations nationwide.
Though based in schools, SunWise also encourages a sustained connection
between schools and their communities. By participating in SunWise, chil-
dren will enhance their creativity, critical thinking, data collection, reading,
problem solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
EPA is currently exploring options for recognition incentives (e.g., stickers,
bookmarks, water bottles, and more). Teachers also will receive a certifi-
cate acknowledging their accomplishment. Finally, the possibility of a
SunWise Helios Award for Sun-Protection Education is currently being
explored. This award would recognize innovative and exemplary efforts in
the area of sun-protection education. Stay tuned for more information
about this exciting possibility!
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he SunWise School Program has
developed a set of action steps for sun
protection that can be used in the
classroom, on the playground, or elsewhere to
help reduce students' and adults' risk from UV
radiation. With these steps, preventing overex-
posure to the sun is simple. You and your stu-
dents should always take the following precautions:
y Limit time in the midday sun. The sun's UV rays are the strongest
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent possible, limit exposure
to the sun during these hours.
y Watch for the UV Index. This important resource helps you plan
your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the
sun's rays. Developed by the National Weather Service and EPA, the
UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the country. The
UV Index uses numbers to represent the likely level of UV exposure
(Minimal: 0-2; Low: 3-4; Moderate: 5-6; High: 7-9; Very High:
10+). While you should always take precautions against overexpo-
sure, take special care to adopt sun safety practices when the UV
Index predicts exposure levels of moderate or above.
y Use shade wisely. Seek shade when UV rays are the most intense,
but keep in mind that shade structures (e.g., trees, umbrellas,
canopies) do not offer complete sun protection. Students can easily
remember the shadow rule: "Watch Your Shadow—No Shadow,
Seek Shade!"2
y Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim offers good sun
protection for your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck.
2 Downham, T.F., "The shadow rule: A simple method for sun protection." In Journal of the Southern Medical
Association, July 1998, 91:7, 619-623.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UV-A and UV-B
protection will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. Wrap-
around sunglasses provide the most protection. Tightly woven, loose
fitting clothes will provide additional protection from the sun.
y Use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15+ liber-
ally and reapply every 2 hours, or after working, swimming, play-
ing, or exercising outdoors.
y Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths. The light source from sunbeds
and sun lamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes and is best
avoided entirely.
Remember, everyday exposure counts! You don't have to be actively
sunbathing to get a damaging dose of the sun—take care even when
having lunch outside, going on school field trips, taking part in
after-school activities, or participating in sports programs. Inform your
friends and family about these simple sun safety steps. You could
save a life!
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he SunWise School Program would like to thank the many
teachers, parents, communities, health professionals, educators,
meteorologists, nonprofit organizations, environmental groups,
scientists, and others who have helped make the SunWise vision a reality.
Your commitment, energy, and dedication are truly remarkable, and the
SunWise School Program sincerely appreciates your valuable efforts.
The SunWise School Program is one of several EPA EMPACT projects.
SunWise would like to thank the EMPACT Program for its support and
assistance. For information about the EMPACT Program, please call 202
564-6791 or visit the Web site at .
For More If/or/^atio*
For more information about EPAs SunWise School Program or sun pro-
tection, please contact any member of the SunWise staff (listed below)
or visit the SunWise Web site at .
Maura Cantor, Director
Phone: 202 564-9096
E-mail: cantor.maura@epa.gov
Linda Rutsch, Schools Coordinator
Phone: 202 564-2261
E-mail: rutsch.linda@epa.gov
Kelly Davis, Web Manager
Phone: 202 564-2303
E-mail: davis.kelly@epa.gov
Mailing address for all staff:
U.S. EPA/SunWise School Program
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (6205J)
Washington, DC 20460
Kevin Rosseel, Communications Manager
Phone: 202 564-9731
E-mail: rosseel.kevin@epa.gov
Kristin Kenausis, Education Coordinator
Phone: 202 564-2289
E-mail: kenausis.kristin@epa.gov
For courier or overnight deliveries,
please send to:
U.S. EPA/Sun Wise School Program
501 3ri Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
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lease contact the following organizations for additional information
on sun protection:
American Academy of Dermatology
930 North Meacham Road
P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4965
888 462-DERM (462-3376)
www.aad.org
American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Road, NE.
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
800 ACS-2345 (227-2345)
www.cancer.org
Boston University Medical Center
Skin Oncology, Cancer Prevention & Control
Center
720 Harrison Avenue, DOB-801A
Boston, MA 02118
617638-7131
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
4770 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341
770 488-4751
www. cdc. gov/cancer
National Association of Physicians
for the Environment
6410 Rockledge Drive, Suite 412
Bethesda, MD 20817-1809
301 571-9790
www.napenet.org
National Safety Council
Environmental Health Center
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
800 557-2366 #2
www.nsc.org/ehc/sunsafe.htm
The Skin Cancer Foundation
245 Fifth Avenue
Suite 1403
New York, NY 10016
212 725-5176
wwwskincancer. org
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The completed registration form
can be mailed or faxed to:
Linda Rutsch
SunWise School Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (6205J)
Washington, DC 20460
Fax Number: 202 565-2065
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Fold Here
Mailing Instructions
Carefully remove the entire form from the booklet and fold it as indicated above, with the address
visible. To ensure the form remains folded during shipment, secure it with a piece of tape.
No postage is necessary
SunWise School Program Identification
Please assign an identification name for each class that will be participating. If you plan to register
more than one class, please submit a separate registration form for each participating class. You are free
to pick any name, using numeric and/or alpha characters, but it should not exceed 6 characters. Upon
receipt of this form, SunWise will provide you with a confirmation of your registration, as well as a
computer-generated Class ID, which you will need for data entry purposes on the SunWise Internet
Learning Site.
Registering for the SunWise School Program is easy! Simply review the program
requirements and the activities described on this form, then choose the activities in
which you would like to participate. We'll send you everything you need. Please fill
out this form completely and use the self-addressed cover to mail it back to EPA.
You also can register through the SunWise Web site at .
Thanks for your participation!
Participant Requirements
1. Complete and return this self-addressed form.
2. Adopt at least one of the SunWise activities described on this form.
Registration:
For 2000-2001 school year:
Registration opens March 1, 2000 and closes February 28, 2001.
For 2001-2002 school year:
Registration opens March 1, 2001 and closes February 28, 2002.
If you have any questions about this form or about SunWise,
please call Linda Rutsch at 202 564-2261.
Identification Name
Grade Level of Class_
_Number of Students in Class _
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About Your School
SunWise Activities
School Name:
Street Address:
City:
_ZIP Code: _
Web site address: _
Principal's Name:_
_Phone:_
School District Name:_
Does Your School Have Videoconferencing Capability? I—I Yes I—I No
School Type: Q Elementary Q Middle Q Grades 1-8 Q Other
(check all that apply) Q Year-Round School Q Public School Q Private School
Number of Students in School (Estimate):
About Yourself
Name:
E-mail:
_Phone:
For what school year are you registering? Q 2000-2001 Q 2001-2002
Average Class Size: Q 1-15 Q 16-25 Q 26-30 Q 31+
Grades You Teach: Q K Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Q 5 Q 6 Q 7 Q
Subjects You Teach: Q Science Q Math Q Health Q English
Q Social Studies Q Physical Education Q Geography Q Other
Have you taught or worked in the following areas (check all that apply)?
I I Sun Protection I I Environmental Issues I I World Wide Web
Please indicate below which SunWise activities you would like to implement in your classroom or
school. For more information on each activity, see the descriptions below. Please choose at least one
activity but feel free to implement as many as you like. Remember, all materials and tools will be
provided to you free of charge.
Cross-Curricular Classroom Lessons
Reporting of the UV Index on the Internet Learning Site
Reporting of UV Ground Data (via Hand-Held Monitor)
on the Internet Learning Site
Infrastructure Enhancements: Policy Changes
Infrastructure Enhancements: Shade Structures
Community Partnerships
Schoolwide Sun Safety Activities
Cross-Curricular Classroom Lessons
A SunWise Tool Kit includes cross-curricular
lessons that focus on UV radiation effects, risk
factors for overexposure, and sun-protection
habits. Activities are included for K-3rd, 4th-6th,
and 7th-8th grade learning levels.
Reporting the UV Index or UV Ground Data
on the Internet Learning Site
This interactive, easy-to-use EPA Web site is
fun and colorful. Teachers and students can use
the site to report and interpret daily UV data
and weather conditions. EPA also lends hand-
held UV monitoring devices to schools for
data collection.
Infrastructure Enhancements—Policy Changes
Simple improvements such as rescheduling
recesses during a time of day with lower UV
radiation levels, or requiring students to wear
hats, sunscreen, or eye protection, are described
in the SunWise Tool Kit.
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Infrastructure Fnhanr^ni^n1's—Shade Structures
Ideas for infrastructure improvements, such as the
addition of trees, canopies, or other shade struc-
tures, are included in the Tool Kit, and EPA is
available to advise participants.
Community Partnerships
Schools can work with local organizations,
such as nurseries or television stations, to show
students how sun safety practices extend beyond
the classroom.
Schoolwide Sun Safety Activities
Classes can use SunWise Program knowledge to
share sun safety messages with the whole school.
Suggestions for schoolwide events are included
in the Tool Kit.
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