Safe Fun in the Sun
Authors: Jaclyn Chiesa, Morgan Heaton, and Madison O’Quinn
Faculty Supervisor: Nicole Masano MSN, RN, CNM, CNE
Abstract:
Our S-L Community Project addressed the importance of sun safety by using a number of different tools to teach elementary school-aged adolescents protective interventions at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. Due to the educational level of the children we presented to, the majority of the lesson(s) were interactive to maintain engagement. Some of the materials used include SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and foam sun visors that were decorated in an arts and crafts station. We evaluated the effectiveness of the lesson(s) by assessing the knowledge base of the participants via verbal popcorn quizzing prior to, during, and at the end of the module. The information was presented on a power point as well as a trifold poster and showcased the importance of utilizing precautionary interventions when outside due to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. This project was able to impact a vulnerable portion of the population due to the extent of time spent participating in outdoor activities such as spending time at the local beaches. Service-learning outcomes such as understanding how the community functions and demonstrating effective problem-solving skills were showcased in the protocols suggested to the school regarding safety measures in order to prevent injuries from sun exposure, as well as designing an educational module that was appropriate for the developmental level of the participants.
