Fashion for Protection: Investigating the UV Protection Power of Different Fabrics!
Human Health and Behavior
Amaia Garcia
- Grade:
- 4
- Teacher:
- Alfred Santos
I wanted to find out which fabrics can protect our skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun. I collected different fabrics from my school’s lost and found and cut them into equal sizes. I used UVA and UVB sensors and a UV flashlight to measure how much UV light passed through each fabric. I discovered that thicker and tightly woven fabrics, like silk and sweaters, blocked more UV light, while thinner fabrics, like linen, allowed more UV light to pass through. This shows that the clothes I wear can help protect my skin and keep me safer from harmful UV rays.
Your research into the Fast Fashion industry added a very important social context to your skin cancer study. Finding that sweaters and silk protect better than linen is a great takeaway for health.
You did an amazing job thinking like a real scientist. You compared each fabric, and connected your results to everyday life. Your understanding of how weave and thickness affect UVA protection is advanced and also your idea to design a biodegradable UV‑protective fabric shows creativity and innovation. Proud of you
I really enjoyed reading this. Your commitment to the environment is wonderful! Repurposing fabrics from the “lost and found” box was an innovative idea, and your use of technical Neulog sensors added a high level of accuracy to your work. Great job!