Sun Safety Challenge
We hit the road for British Science Week in March, visiting schools across North Wales to talk about sun safety, educate on skin cancer risks and give students a taste of the work we undertake at NWCR HQ.
Schools in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy welcomed Community and Engagement Officer, Ffion, as she came armed with UV camera equipment and an exciting challenge.
The students saw their skin in a new light during a demonstration with our UV camera as they examined the difference proper SPF (Sun Protection Factor) use can make in blocking out harmful UV rays from the sun and saw the hidden changes in their skin invisible to the naked eye.
After being split into teams, the students were asked to get creative and produce a poster or leaflet, as well as a video or audio advert promoting sun safety tips and guidance, with the goal of raising awareness of skin cancer risks and prevention to their peers.
Students were given a suite of materials, including brand colours and logo as well as information from our website to help them with their creations.
The final products have been entered into a competition, with finalists attending an awards ceremony with a panel of judges later in the year. Winners will have their creations produced by a designer and shared by local newspapers, councils, Bangor University and STEM Gogledd during summer 2021. We’ll also share the winner’s final product on our social media and website.
Ffion said of the project “It’s been great to get involved with the schools on something so creative and fun. It’s really benefitted the students to see the sun safety guidance from a fresh perspective and educate themselves in order to educate their peers. Everyone’s work has been great and we’re excited to narrow down some finalists and carry on with the project as soon as we can.”
The project has been sponsored by and developed alongside STEM Gogledd, an initiative that aims to increase the take up of STEM subjects among 11-19 year olds.