Invisible Sunblock

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In this activity, learners find out why some mineral sunblock rubs in clear. Learners compare nano and non-nano sunblocks and discover how particle size affects visibility.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Black construction paper
  • Cotton swabs
  • Zinc oxide diaper cream
  • Nano zinc sunblock (look for a formula with zinc oxide that says it goes on clear)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Muscles and Skin
      • Health and Nutrition
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
      • Perception
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Sciencenter, 2012

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0532536
  • National Science Foundation, 0940143