The SunWise School 

Program Guide 

A School Program That Radiates Good Ideas 

2 Printed on paper that contains at least 30 percent postconsumer fiber.
T

Acknowledgments 

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. 

Office of Air and Radiation


6205J


EPA 430-K-03-002


May 2003


www.epa.gov/sunwise

Introduction

The SunWise School Program

Be SunWise: Action Steps for Sun Protection

Additional Sun-Protection Resources

SunWise Registration Form

Contents


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 
hildren spend lots of time outdoors during recess, physical education 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 lifetime risk for skin cancer. One or two blistering sunburns in childhood 

may double the lifetime risk of developing melanoma. By educating ourIntroduction 

C


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 

Scientists have discovered, however, that the ozone layer is thinning and allowing more UV rays smoke. 

such as asbestos, radon, and tobacco

The federal government has classified

UV radiation as a human carcinogen, 

along with other cancer-causing agents

forms a protective shield that 

protects the Earth from the 

sun’s powerful UV radiation. 

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.” 
2 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 susceptible 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 administrators, 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 

Skin cancer and other 

sun-related health effects 

are largely preventable. 
3 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 <www.epa.gov/sunwise>. 

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 
at no cost! 

par

Y

ticipate in SunWise

our school can 

such as inviting guest speakers to school 

assemblies, to enhance sun safety 

efforts. 

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


Th

T

e SunWise School Program


he SunWise School Program is an 

environmental and health education program that aims to teach 

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. 


ting. Though based in schools, SunWise 

also supports community partnerships, 

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 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. 
5 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. 

SunWise School Program Components 

Classroom 

✔ Cross-Curricular 

Classroom Lessons 

✔ Internet Learning, 

Including UV 

Measurement and 

Reporting 

✔ SunWise Student Survey 

✔ SunWise Teacher Survey 

School 

✔ Suggestions for 

Infrastructure 

Enhancements 

(e.g., sun-safe policies 

and structures) 

✔ Ideas for School-Based 

Sun Safety Activities (e.g., 

school assemblies) 

✔ Evaluation of SunWise 

School Program 

Community 

✔ Suggestions for 

Community Partnerships 

(e.g., guest speakers and 

business partnerships) 

✔ Service Learning 

Components for Students 

SunWise lessons meet 

national standards for 

science, math, health, 

and language arts. 
6

1. Register as a SunWise Partner School.

2. Participate in student evaluation.

3. Complete the teacher evaluation form.

4. Adopt at least one of the following SunWise activities:

6 The SunWise School Program Guide 

How Does a School Become 

a SunWise Partner? 

Becoming a SunWise Partner School is easy! Any elementary 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 

<www.epa.gov/sunwise>. 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 questionnaire, 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 evaluation purposes only. All personal information will remain confidential. 

3. Complete the teacher evaluation form. Teacher feedback about the usefulness of classroom and school materials is vital to the refinement of 

SunWise education materials. 

4. Adopt at least one of the following SunWise activities: 

✔ Cross-curricular classroom lessons. 

✔ UV measurement and reporting on the Internet. 

✔	 School infrastructure enhancements (school policy changes and/or 

sun-protection structures). 

✔	 Community outreach (inviting guest speakers and forming business partnerships). 

✔ Schoolwide sun safety activities. 
7

free

fun, developmentally appropriate activities

7 The SunWise School Program Guide 

What Tools Are Available to 

SunWise Partner Schools? 

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. 

✔ SunWise Tool Kit 

A Tool Kit containing cross-curricular, standards-based lessons and background 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. 
8 The SunWise School Program Guide 

✔ SunWise Internet Learning Site 

and UV Database 

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. Students and 

teachers can use the site to: 

Report and interpret daily measurements of UV radiation, weather 

conditions, and information regarding sun-protection practices. 

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. 

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. 

✔ Publications 

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 

<www.epa.gov/sunwise/publications.html> and in paper form. For free 

printed copies, please contact the National Service Center for 

Environmental Publications at (800) 490-9198. 
9

Marked improvement for all knowledge variables

Improved attitudes and beliefs about tanning

Fewer sunburns

Stronger intentions to avoid adverse sun exposure

9 The SunWise School Program Guide 

How Will SunWise Be Evaluated? 

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 

effectiveness through a variety of interim measurements—including student 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 knowledge 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 percent from pretest to posttest with more substantial differences noted 

in younger children. 
10 The SunWise School Program Guide 

Why Should Schools Participate in SunWise?


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, children 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 outstanding SunWise schools. The awards recognize innovative and exemplary 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 EPA’s Web site, or 

being highlighted through local media. Check the SunWise Web site at 

<www.epa.gov/sunwise> for details. 
Limit time in the midday sun.

Check the UV Index.

Use shade wisely.

Wear protective clothing.

Be SunWise: Action 

Steps for Sun Protection 

he SunWise School Program has 

developed a set of action steps for sun T 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 overexposure to the sun is simple. You and your students should always take the 

following precautions: 

✔ 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. 

✔ Check 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 available on the SunWise Web site (www.epa.gov/sunwise/ 

uvindex.html) in a ZIP code-searchable format. 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 overexposure, take special 

care to adopt sun safety practices when the UV Index predicts exposure levels of moderate or above. Watch for possible changes to the 

UV Index in 2004. 

✔ 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. 

✔ Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim offers good sun 

protection for your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck. 

Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UV-A and UV-B 

protection will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. 
12

Use sunscreen.

Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths.

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. 

✔ Use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15+ liberally 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, or 

after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors. 

✔ 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! 

“An ounce of prevention is

worth a pound of cure.”

—Benjamin Franklin 

routine! 

Each time you go out in the sun,

apply an ounce of sunscreen as

part of your sun-protection
American Academy of Dermatology

American Cancer Society

Boston University Medical Center

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention

SHADE Foundation

The Skin Cancer Foundation

Additional Sun-Protection 

Resources 

Please 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


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


617 638-7131


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 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

United States 

Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460 Official Business (6205J) Penalty for Private Use $300 
Registering for the SunWise School Program is easy! The fastest way to register and 

receive SunWise materials is via the online registration form at <www.epa.gov/ 

sunwise>. If you do not have Internet access, please review the program require

ments and the activities described in this guide and then fill out this form complete

ly. Use the self-addressed cover to mail it back to EPA. We’ll send you everything 

you need within six weeks of receipt of your registration form. If you do not receive 

a Tool Kit within that timeframe, please contact us. 

Registration Form 

At this time, we can only accept registrations from educators who are currently 

working in elementary or middle schools in the United States with a classroom 

size of at least 10 students. Those who do not fall into this category (e.g., stu

dent teachers, universities, camp counselors, preschool/high school teachers, 

educators from other countries, etc.), please do not register. Contact us via email at <www.epa.gov/sunwise/contacts.html> and we will gladly provide you 

with appropriate SunWise materials. 

Participant Requirements 

1. Register online or complete and return this self-addressed form. 

2. Adopt at least one of the SunWise activities listed on page 6. 

3. Complete the teacher evaluation form (required) and the student survey (if 

selected). 

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. 

Fold Here 

SunWise School Program 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (6205J) 

Washington, DC 20460 
About Your School 

To Participate in SunWise, Please Tell Us... SunWise Activities 

About Yourself SunWise School Program Identification

School Name: ________________________________________________________________________ 

Street Address: _______________________________________________________________________ 

City: ___________________________________________State: __________ZIP Code: _____________ 

Number of Students in School (Estimate):________________ Phone:____________________________ 

Principal’s Name:______________________________________________________________________ 

School District Name: __________________________________________________________________ 

E-mail: __________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ 

Grades You Teach: ❏ K ❏ 1 ❏ 2 ❏ 3 ❏ 4 ❏ 5 ❏ 6 ❏ 7 ❏ 8 

Subjects You Teach: ❏ Science ❏ Math ❏ School Nurse 

❏ Social Studies ❏ Physical Education ❏ English 

❏ Other: ____________________________________________________ 

Would You Prefer Materials in ❏ English or ❏ Spanish? 

To Approximately How Many Students Do You Plan To Teach 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. 

❏ 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. 

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. 

❏ 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. 

Your Name:__________________________________________________________________________ 

How Did You Learn About SunWise? _____________________________________________________ 

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 ________________________________________ (Identification name, e.g., Science 1) 

Class 2 ________________________________________ 

Class 3 ________________________________________ 

Class 4 ________________________________________ 

❏ ESL 

Incomplete forms cannot be processed. 

A policy section gives guidance on how to institute sun