Skin: The Behavior and Health Connection
6-8In this lesson, students become better aware of how their personal behavior and the environment can have a considerable impact on their health in general, particularly the health of their skin.
From blemishes to suntans, young people are naturally fascinated by skin. The Skin Deep Project takes advantage of this curiosity, introducing students in grades 6 through 12 to the science of skin, including its role in protecting the body from invading microbes, maintaining temperature, and sensing the environment. As they learn how their skin protects them, they also learn how they can protect their skin—from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and from germs that can cause acne and other blemishes. With skin cancer cases increasing and more young people being affected, it is imperative that students understand what tools they have to protect themselves.
With support from Neutrogena, AAAS has developed the Skin Deep Project. Join us as we take a closer look at our largest organ and learn how we can keep it healthy.
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Lessons
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In this lesson, students become better aware of how their personal behavior and the environment can have a considerable impact on their health in general, particularly the health of their skin. -
Skin and Sports
6-8
In this lesson, students learn about the importance of proper protection from common skin conditions when they engage in sports-related activities. -
Skin as an Organ
6-8 | Interactive
In this lesson, students examine the skin and how it functions as an organ and as part of a larger body system. -
Skin Care: Acne
6-8 | Interactive
In this lesson, students learn about the underlying causes, prevention, and treatment of acne. -
The Ecology of Your Skin 1: Bacteria that Live on the Skin
9-12
In this lesson, students explore the concept of interdependence of life in the context of our relationship with bacteria. -
The Ecology of Your Skin 2: The Microbial World Is an Olfactory World
9-12
This lesson introduces students to the olfactory world of our bacterial symbionts. -
The Ecology of Your Skin 3: The Body Food Connection
9-12 | Hands-On
In this lesson, students perform an exploration of bacteria in milk to see how they can get cheese-like results from body bacteria. -
Skin Cancer 1: Exposing Healthy Skin to the Sun
9-12 | Interactive
In this lesson, students develop an understanding of the science behind keeping skin healthy. -
Skin Cancer 2: Types, Prevention, and Detection
9-12 | Interactive
In this lesson, students develop an understanding of skin cancer and its different types, how it can be detected, and how it can be prevented. -
Sun & Skin
9-12 | Interactive
In this lesson, students will discuss what they already know about the impact sun exposure has on their skin and what they typically do to protect themselves, if anything. -
Sunburn, Sunscreen, and Cancer
9-12
In this lesson, students explore the link between exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation and the chance of getting a sunburn. -
Variation in Human Skin Color
9-12
In this lesson, students explore the factors that control variation in human skin color and the implications of this information for human society.
Tools
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SCI: Skin Cancer Investigation
6-12 | Interactive
This interactive gives students the opportunity to learn about skin cancer diagnosis and prevention. -
You and Your Skin
6-12 | Interactive
This interactive provides an introduction to the basic structure of the skin, information about how it protects us, and how to care for the skin.
Science Updates
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Ozone-Scrubbing Skin
6-12 | Audio
In this Science Update, find out how dead skin flakes in dust help remove ozone from indoor air.
AAAS Resources
The Science Inside Skin
Resource Type: Book (PDF)
Age: 14-Adult
Description: The Science Inside Skin, created as part of the Skin Deep Project, offers readers a closer peek at the body's surface. Inside they'll find information about the three layers of skin, how skin changes during a lifetime, various skin ailments (ranging from acne to the three types of skin cancer), and sun safety.
Funder Info
This content was created with support from Neutrogena.
This content was created with support from Neutrogena.
