The SunWise Schoo
Program Guide ^
A School Program That Radia4Rbod Ideas
Printed on paper that contains at least 30 percent postconsumer fiber.
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The 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.
Office of Air and Radiation
6205J
EPA 430-K-03-002
May 2003
www.epa.gov/sunwise
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Introduction 1
The SunWise School Program 4-10
How Does a School Become a SunWise Partner? 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 11
Additional Sun-Protection Resources 13
SunWise Registration Form 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. Children need to be physically active, but
must learn to protect themselves from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. This overexposure can cause serious health effects, including
skin cancer and other skin disorders, eye damage and cataracts, and
immune system suppression. Skin cancer is the most common type of
cancer in the United States.1 Currently, one in five Americans develops
skin cancer during their lifetime. Every hour one person dies from this
disease. Since 1973, new cases of the most serious form of skin cancer—
melanoma—have increased approximately 150 percent.
You can make a difference! Children need sun protection education since
unprotected exposure to the sun during youth puts them at increased life-
time risk for skin cancer. One or two blistering sunburns in childhood
may double the lifetime risk of developing melanoma. By educating our-
selves and children about UV-related health effects and the steps for sun
protection, we can promote a healthy future for the next generation.
In the atmosphere, the ozone layer
forms a protective shield that
protects the Earth from the
sun's powerful UV radiation.
Scientists have discovered, how-
ever, that the ozone layer is thin-
ning and allowing more UV rays
to reach the Earth's surface.
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 protection behaviors now to protect our future health.
1 American Cancer Society, "Cancer Facts and Figures 2003."
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The SunWise School Program Guide
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. Any change to
the skin's natural color is a sign of damage to the skin. 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 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 the National Service
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Center for Environmental Publications at (800) 490-9198 or by visiting
the publications section of 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.
Up to 90 percent of visible
changes to the skin
commonly thought to be
caused by aging are
actually caused by sun
exposure.2
2"Guidelines for School Programs to Prevent Skin Cancer." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 51, No. RR-4
(April 26, 2002). Available: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/guidelines/skin_cancer.htm
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Tke Wtv/ite kkool
T
he SunWise School Program is an
environmental and health educa-
tion program that aims to teach I'lrniinriiriitiiiiiB
children and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure
to the sun. Through the use of classroom-based, school-based, and com-
munity-based components, SunWise seeks to develop sustained
sun-safe behaviors.
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, educators, stu-
dents, and their families will increase their awareness of simple steps they
can take to protect 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 understanding of the environmental concepts related to sun protection.
The program encourages schools to provide a sun-safe infrastructure,
including shade structures (e.g., canopies, trees) and policies (e.g., using
hats, sunscreen, sunglasses) that promote sun protection in a school set-
ting. Though based in schools, SunWise
also supports community partnerships,
such as inviting guest speakers to school
assemblies, to enhance sun safety
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 maxi-
mum flexibility—elements can be used as stand-alone teaching tools or to
complement existing school curricula. The time commitment necessary to
implement SunWise is minimal, 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
SunWise was pilot tested in 130 schools in 38 states during the 1999-
2000 school year. National implementation began in the 2000-2001
school year. The components outlined below are available to Partner
Schools free of charge.
fckool
y Cross-Curricular
Classroom Lessons
y Internet Learning,
Including UV
Measurement and
Reporting
y SunWise Student Survey
y SunWise Teacher Survey
y Suggestions for
Infrastructure
Enhancements
(e.g., sun-safe policies
and structures)
•/ Ideas for School-Based
Sun Safety Activities (e.
school assemblies)
•/ Evaluation of SunWise
School Program
y Suggestions for
Community Partnerships
(e.g., guest speakers and
business partnerships)
y Service Learning
Components for Students
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Doe; a fckool
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
. This is the fastest way to join the program.
Printed copies also can be downloaded from the Web site. A hard copy
can be found in the middle of this guide as well.
2. Participate in student evaluation. A random sample of participants will
be asked to complete the SunWise Student Survey before and after
implementation of SunWise Activities. This simple, 10-minute ques-
tionnaire, developed by Boston University's Skin Cancer Prevention
Team, elicits basic information on attitudes and practices of children
relating to sun exposure. This survey will provide information for eval-
uation purposes only. All personal information will remain confidential.
3. Complete the teacher evaluation form. Teacher feedback about the use-
fulness of classroom and school materials is vital to the refinement of
SunWise education materials.
4. Adopt at least one of die following SunWise activities:
i/ Cross-curricular classroom lessons.
y UV measurement and reporting on the Internet.
y School infrastructure enhancements (school policy changes and/or
sun-protection structures).
i/ Community outreach (inviting guest speakers and forming
business partnerships).
i/ Schoolwide sun safety activities.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Mat Tool; Are Available to
Partner
Based on the activities you choose, you will
receive, free of charge, materials and tools to
help you implement SunWise in your class-
room or school.
Tool Kit
A Tool Kit containing cross-curricular, standards-based lessons and back-
ground information is free to registered 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.
The Kit includes activities focusing on:
^ The science behind UV radiation and stratospheric ozone;
The health risks from overexposure to UV radiation; and
The steps you can take to protect yourself.
The Kit contains classroom activities for K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 grade levels. In
keeping with the intent of making these lessons hands-on and fun, the Kit
also includes tools, such as a UV-sensitive frisbee and the On the Trail of the
Missing Ozone comic book, which reinforce the sun safety lessons. Finally, to
reward your students for their participation in the SunWise program, we have
created the easily photocopied Certificate of SunWisdom.
The Tool Kit contains an additional section targeting school policy, which
gives guidance on how to institute sun safety changes outside the classroom.
The Tool Kit is also available in Spanish.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
UV 0ataba;e
In order to make the best use of innovative educa-
tional and information-sharing technologies, EPA
developed an Internet Learning Site as part of its
main SunWise Program Web site. Students and
teachers can use the site to:
^ Report and interpret daily measurements of UV radiation, weather
conditions, and information regarding sun-protection practices.
^F Search for the UV Index in their community using a ZIP-code
searchable UV Index database.
^ Chart, graph, and map UV measurements.
^ Participate in online, interactive educational activities.
3^ Locate additional resources on sun protection, health, and the
environment.
Once schools register, teachers will receive secure IDs for entering daily
UV data on the Internet Learning Site.
/ Publication;
EPA has published a number of documents to help your school be
SunWise. These can be used as warm-up reading exercises, copied and
placed in school newsletters, used as part of field trip permission forms,
etc. All of the documents are available on the SunWise Web site at
and in paper form. For free
printed copies, please contact the National Service Center for
Environmental Publications at (800) 490-9198.
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The SunWise School Program Guide
Be
The SunWise School Program recognizes a particular challenge in measur-
ing 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
effectiveness through a variety of interim measurements—including stu-
dent survey and teacher evaluation data—is integral to SunWise's success.
As of 2002, data from over 6,000 student pretests and posttests has been
analyzed and the results are promising, with four major findings. Children
ages 5-12 receiving SunWise education have:
a) Marked improvement for all knowledge variables. Identifying that
wearing a hat and shirt outside were ways to keep the skin safe from
the sun improved overall from 60 percent to 75 percent. Student
knowledge of the need for SPF 15 improved from 50 percent at
pretest to 78 percent at posttest. Awareness of the UV Index reading
that best correlated with the most optimal sun protection also
improved overall from 28 percent to 57 percent.
b) Improved attitudes and beliefs about tanning. In particular, from
pretest to posttest, youngest children (ages 5 to 9) experienced a 10
percent decrease in the attitude that a tan is healthy. These findings in
students receiving education are in stark contrast to more than 1,000
students in control schools (receiving no education) who had no
changes in knowledge or attitudes during this comparable period.
c) Fewer sunburns. School nurses at 11 schools in six states surveyed
the same children during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 school years.
Among the 477 children completing three surveys, gains in knowl-
edge and attitudes were maintained and sunburning rates were lower
in the most recent summer (55 percent in summer 2001 compared
with 66 percent for summer 2000).
d) Stronger intentions to avoid adverse sun exposure. Overall, intentions
to play in the shade increased significantly from 70 percent to 76 per-
cent from pretest to posttest with more substantial differences noted
in younger children.
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10 : The SunWise School Program Guide
My fkouM kkool; Participate i*
Being a part of SunWise is a fun, easy, and effective way to protect the
health of the children in your school. 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 has developed a recognition/incentive program to acknowledge out-
standing SunWise schools. The awards recognize innovative and exem-
plary efforts in the area of sun-protection education. By meeting certain
criteria, schools and community organizations are recognized at either the
"Shining Star" or "Helios Leadership" award levels. Awards may include an
engraved plaque, T-shirts, frisbees, being featured on EPAfe Web site, or
being highlighted through local media. Check the SunWise Web site at
for details.
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Be f
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12
The SunWise School Program Guide
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 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, or
after working, swimming, playing, 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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-Protection
lease contact the following organizations or visit the links on the
SunWise Web site for additional information on sun protection:
American Academy of Dermatology
930 North Meacham Road
EO. 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
770488-4751
www.cdc.gov/cancer
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
www. skincancerprevention. org
SHADE Foundation
Curt and Shonda Schilling
Melanoma Foundation of America
10645 N. Tatum Boulevard
Suite 200, #467
Phoenix, AZ 85028
602 595-4858
The Skin Cancer Foundation
245 Fifth Avenue
Suite 1403
New York, NY 10016
212 725-5176
www. skincancer. org
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SunWise School Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (6205J)
Washington, DC 20460
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.
Please affix first class postage.
SnnWi<
a school program that radiates good Ideas
Registering for the SunWise School Program is easy! The fastest way to register and
receive SunWise materials is via the online registration form at and we will gladly provide you
with appropriate SunWise materials.
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To Participate in SunWise, Please Tell Us.
SunWise Activities
Your Name:
How Did You Learn About SunWise?
Please indicate below which SunWise activities you would like to implement in your classroom,
school, or community. 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.
About Your School
School Name:
Street Address:
City:
State:
ZIP Code:
Number of Students in School (Estimate):_
Phone:
Principal's Name:_
School District Name:
Implement SunWise Tool Kit Activities
The Tool Kit contains standards-based, cross-curricular activities that focus
on the science behind UV radiation and stratospheric ozone; health effects
from overexposure to UV radiation; and action steps for sun protection.
The kit also contains tools such as a UV-sensitive frisbee; grade-level
appropriate story, activity, and comic books; and a Certificate of
SunWisdom. A policy section gives guidance on how to institute sun
safety changes outside the classroom.
Report Daily UV Intensity and Forecast Data
Teachers and students can use the site to report and interpret daily UV
data and weather conditions.
Q SunWise Video
You may also register to receive the video, "SunWise: A Sun Safety Program for Grades K-8,"
designed for teachers, school nurses, parents, and school administrators who would like to learn
more about the program.
About Yourself
SunWise School Program Identification
E-mail:
Grades You Teach:
QK Qi Q2
Phone:
Q4
Qe Qr Qs
Subjects You Teach: Q Science Q Math Q School Nurse
LJ Social Studies LJ Physical Education LJ English
Q Other:
ESL
Would You Prefer Materials in LJ English or LJ Spanish?
Please list the classes to which you will be teaching SunWise (each class receives a unique ID number
that is used to enter UV data).
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
(Identification name, e.g., Science 1)
To Approximately How Many Students Do You Plan To Teach SunWise?
Incomplete forms cannot be processed.
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