Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
The sun and UV
radiation Lesson
Learning Objectives
To learn that the earth has a protective shield called the ozone layer, which blocks most of the
harmful rays from the sun.
National Curriculum Links
• Geography: 1a, 2a, 2d, 4a, 4b,5a, 5b,6e
• Qca: unit 8 improving the environment, unit 7 weather around the world, unit 18 connecting
ourselves to the world
Cross Curriculum Links
• Citizenship: 1a, 2a, 5a, 5c, 5e, 5g
Preparation
Read about the ozone layer, and have some facts ready.
Introduction
Show example of the earth’s atmosphere on the board, copy or photocopy and enlarge it.
(Example above)
• A
sk if the children have heard about the ozone layer around the earth. Explain that the ozone
layer protects the earth from too much UV radiation.
• Talk about the hole scientists have found in the ozone layer over Antarctica.
Main Activity - whole class discussion
Ask the children what could happen if the ozone layer was destroyed.
Whole class activity
In small groups discuss and list the consequences of damage to the ozone layer. How might the climate
change? What might happen to people? Plants? Animals? What predictions can they make about the
number of people who could suffer from skin damage and other health effects in the future?
Group work/Individual work
Get the groups to design a poster about the risks associated with UV damage.
P1
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
The sun and UV
radiation Lesson (continued)
Plenary
Ask pupils to feedback on their poster to the class.
Extension Work
SPF stands for “sun protection factor”. This is a laboratory measure, which grades the ability of a
sunscreen to block UVB radiation. Look at UV information on different sun screens, what information is
given? Can they be grouped? What do the numbers mean? Are sun creams able to provide
complete sun safety?
Children can make their own “news flash” related to UV radiation, including planning a script and giving
roles to different people.
Children can create a short UV radiation warning poem which could go on their poster.
Assessment for learning
Can pupils explain the function of the ozone layer?
Do pupils understand the damage to the ozone layer and its effect on earth?
Do pupils understand the effects of UV radiations?
P2
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Conscious Johnny and Jane
conscious alley game
Learning Objectives
To create a persuasive argument based on a world topical issue.
National Curriculum Links
• PSHE: 1a, 1c, 2d,2f,4a,5d
• Seal Theme: Good to be me
Cross curriculum Links
• Literacy: En1 1b,1c,1d,1e,2a,2c,2d,2e, 3a, 3b
Preparation
Have an image of Johnny and Jane ready (from one of the downloadable resources).
Find some non-fiction books / facts about the sun and sun protection for group work.
Print out the ‘design a hat’ prize draw sheet from the resource page.
Introduction
Introduce the characters Johnny and Jane from the activity sheet and explain that they are unsure whether
to play out in the sun with or without sun protection. Ask 2 pupils to be Johnny and Jane (they will not take
part in the research).
Main Activity - whole class discussion
What is sun protection? Ask pupils if they can remember the key things they need in the sun. Recap with
pupils the assembly slides.
Whole class activity
Explain that today the class will provide the characters Johnny and Jane with different sides of being in the
sun. The debate question to answer is “Should Johnny and Jane protect their skin in the sun.” The class will
be split into 2 groups - no protection VS protection. Ask each side to discuss in pairs and think of one thing
as argument for or against using sun protection. Select different pairs to feedback.
Group work/Individual work
Split those groups even further and provide pupils with sun factor files, any non-fiction books and if possible
computer time to research about the sun. Ask pupils to work in groups to provide as many reasons to protect
and not protect in the sun.
Once pupils have completed research ask them to discuss in their halves what they found.
Ask pupils to think of one thing to say to persuade “Johnny and Jane”. Ask pupils to stand in a line
for, and a line against. Ask Johnny and Jane to walk along and as they do, pupils must state their
argument for and against sun protection. Pupils may repeat statements already mentioned.
P3
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Conscious Johnny and Jane
conscious alley game (continued)
Plenary
Ask the pupils playing Johnny and Jane how they felt about sun protection, are they persuaded
by either side of the argument. Explain to pupils that the best way to keep safe in the sun is to
protect your skin. Ask pupils if they remember the key items to protect themselves in the sun:
Wrap, Splat, Hat.
Extension Work
Create a poster warning people to use sun protection.
Children can bring in their sun screen from home to look closely at the labels and compare the different SPFs.
Design a hat’ prize draw (Children to design a hat-download the ‘design a hat’ entry form from the resource page).
Assessment for learning
What is sun protection?
Why is it important to protect your skin?
What is Wrap, Splat, Hat?
What is your argument?
P4
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Sing it Loud!
Wrap, Splat, Hat!
Learning Objectives
To understand the importance of sun protection.
To understand the effects of sun damage.
To inform others.
National Curriculum Links
• Music: 1c,2a, 2b,4c,5a, 5c
Cross curriculum Links
• Literacy: En1 1b,1c,1d,1e,2a,2c,2d,2e, 3a, 3b, 8b
• PSHE: 1a, 1c, 2d,2f,4a,5d
• Seal theme: Going for goals
Preparation
Have the online Wrap, Splat, Hat song ready to play in class.
Introduction
Recap with pupils about the effects of being unprotected in the sun: Ask pupils to state ideas while the class
teacher scribes the answers.
How does the skin get damaged?
Main Activity - whole class discussion
Listen to the online Wrap, Splat, Hat song. In pairs discuss what they liked and disliked about the song.
Select pupils to share their views. Explain to pupils that they will improve the song by using new lyrics and
music styles.
Whole class activity
Ask pupils to think of different styles of songs and scribe on the board. Then ask pupils to decide
which key words or sentences will be needed in the song. Ensure that the words Wrap, Splat, Hat are
used. Explain that pupils will create their own songs with actions.
Group work/Individual work
Pupils can work in groups that can be mixed ability or chosen groups. Pupils must create a short song / rap
based on sun protection. Pupils need to create actions for the words Wrap, Splat, Hat. Give pupils space to
rehearse– if possible used the school hall or playground.
P5
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Sing it Loud!
Wrap, Splat, Hat! (continued)
Plenary
Ask pupils to perform their songs. Ask pupils to evaluate the songs based on the questions:
Is the message clear?
Did they use the words Wrap, Splat, Hat?
What style of music did they use?
How could the song be improved?
Extension Work
Use instruments or ICT musical programs to create music to accompany the lyrics.
Assessment for learning
What is sun protection?
What is Wrap, Splat, Hat?
Which style of music should be used?
Is the sun protection message clear?
P6
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Newspaper report
2 day project
Learning Objectives
To understand the function of persuasive writing.
To understand the importance of sun protection.
To understand the effects of sun damage.
National Curriculum Links
• Literacy:
• En2 1a,1b,1c,1d,1e, 9b,9c,10
• En3 3a,3b 5a, 5e, 9c
Cross curriculum Links
• PSHE: 1a, 1c, 2d,2f,4a,5d
• SEAL Theme: Relationships, Going for goals
Preparation
Have magazines and newspapers ready to use as example articles.
Discuss with head teacher to see if an article could be published in the weekly school newsletter.
Have a digital camera ready and if possible, organise use of the ICT suite.
Introduction
Show pupils the front cover of a newspaper- what is this? What does the newspaper provide? What are the
different sections that make up the newspaper? What style of writing is this?
Main Activity - whole class discussion
Explain to pupils that they will be newspaper reporters this week using all their information they have learnt
through the week. Show pupils different censored newspapers and discuss the content. Focus on the
advertising, pictures and written articles.
Whole class activity
Write an article for the weekly school newsletter (if there is no weekly newsletter, this could
P7
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Newspaper report
2 day project (continued)
be sent home to parents / family to help communicate sun protection). Explain to pupils that they
will be split into 3 groups:
• The advertising team: They will create their own brand of sun protection items and create
adverts for them.
• T
he photography group: They will take photos of pupils using their own sun protection items.
Pupils to take pictures, upload, and print with captions. They can also draw a labelled diagram
of skin / eye damage to accompany the article.
• T
he writers: They will create short articles informing people about Wrap, Splat, Hat, and the
dangers of the sun and gathering quotes from staff/pupils about their best summer experiences
for the report named “Fun in the sun”.
Brainstorm with pupils what they will need and how they will carry out their work. Pupils will
complete work in the ICT suite.
Group work/Individual work
Pupils to split into their groups and use the planner format as a template. Pupils to be supported by the class
teacher and support staff. Each group must assign a leader. Plan with pupils on how they will complete their
roles in terms of equipment needed, timing and the write up.
Plenary
Ask groups to feedback on their work and as a class decide which work makes the article and why.
Also select which items need to improve or be cut from the article.
Extension Work
Revise the newspaper and focus on redrafting the articles.
Assessment for learning
What is the purpose of the newspaper?
What style of writing is it?
What is advertising?
What is branding?
What is the main message we want say about sun protection?
P8
Lesson Plans - Years 5-6
Planner format
Group members:
Leader:
Circle team: Advertising team / photography team / journalist team
What do we need:
Who will do what:
Key words:
Plan/ draft:
P9