|
April 7, 2004
Protection from the Sun
SPF: Some is Good, but More is Better
Bryce Melton, 14, Terre Haute, Ind.
Finalist, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2003
Project background: Watching his grandfather apply a thick layer of sunscreen led Bryce to question whether the SPF (sun protection factor) of the sunscreen or the amount applied was more important in providing protection from the sun.
Tactics and results: Bryce divided each one of three, clear-plastic sheet protectors into four sections. He applied a sunscreen lotion with a different SPF factor to each quadrant, varying the thickness of the application from sheet to sheet. Then, he placed photographic paper inside each plastic sheet protector and exposed it to ultraviolet light for 1 second to duplicate the effect of the sun. Finally, after developing the film in a home darkroom, he had a professional printer take color readings in 10 predetermined places, including a control area where no sunscreen had been applied.
After performing statistical analyses on the data, Bryce concluded that using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at a thickness of 1.0 mg/cm2 or more provides the best protection.
Read the latest science fair news
Get a science fair tip
Browse a list of science fair topics
Talk Back:
Do you have any comments about this ScienceFairZone? Send them
to us using the form below.
|
SNK RSS Feed 
