Teachers' Guide & Activities
· Activity 3 - Crossword Puzzle
· Homework Activity – The Skin Self Exam
ABCD Rule – a way to tell the difference between a regular mole and one that may be skin cancer – Asymmetry, Border, Color and Diameter
Basal Cell Carcinoma – skin cancer that forms in the base of the outer layer of skin
Benign Tumor – non-cancer growth
Cancer – abnormal/changed cells in the body that form a tumor or growth
Malignant Tumor – a cancer growth
Melanoma – skin cancer that forms in the pigment; the deadliest form of skin cancer
Pigment – the melanin in the upper layers of the skin that determines the color of a person’s skin
Risk Factor – anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer
Skin - the largest organ in the body
Skin Cancer – a cancer of the skin whether a melanoma or nonmelanoma
Skin Exam – a once-per-month early detection method for changes in the skin including possible skin cancers
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – skin cancer in the flat cells that form the surface of the skin
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – the sunscreen rating that refers to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's burning rays
Sunscreen – a lotion or spray that can help limit skin damage from the sun
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation – radiation that comes from sunlight or artificial tanning lights that is harmful to the skin
UV-A – Ultraviolet rays from the sun which can cause long-term damage to the skin
UV-B – Ultraviolet rays from the sun which affect the skin’s pigment and can cause sunburn [Top]
Activity 1 - Word Find
Activity 2 - SPF Challenge
Gather two or more sunscreen lotions with varying SPF levels. (This may be repeated with different brands of sunscreen or one brand offering varying SPF levels.)
Place a small amount of sunscreen on the back of your hand and massage into your skin. Wash off and repeat with other levels or brands.
Compare consistency, absorption, and then residue after washing the hand.
Repeat with each level of SPF and compare results.
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Which SPF level felt the thickest?
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Which let like it most absorbed into your skin?
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Which had the most remaining after washing the hand?
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Which do you believe would best protect while in the sun?
Activity 3 - Crossword Puzzle
Homework Activity – The Skin Self-Exam
By checking your skin regularly, you will learn what is normal for you. It may be helpful to record the dates of your skin exams and to write notes about the way your skin looks. If your doctor has taken photos of your skin, you can compare your skin to the photos to help check for changes. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor.
The best time to do this exam is after a shower or bath. You should check your skin in a room with plenty of light. You should use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It's best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and other marks are and their usual look and feel.
Check for anything new:
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New mole (that looks different from your other moles)
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New red or darker color flaky patch that may be a little raised
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New flesh-colored firm bump
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Change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole
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Sore that does not heal
Check yourself from head to toe:
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Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair. It may be hard to check your scalp by yourself.
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Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
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Bend your elbows. Look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
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Examine the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also look around your genital area and between your buttocks.
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Sit and closely examine your feet, including your toenails, your soles, and the spaces between your toes. [Top]