Erie Children’s Museum Sunscreen Event
This interactive experiment at the Erie Children’s Museum focuses on teaching children and their families about the importance of sun protection in a fun, hands-on way. Kids create colorful bracelets using pipe cleaners and UV-sensitive beads, which change color when exposed to ultraviolet light. After making their bracelets, participants apply sunscreen to selected beads and then use an ultraviolet flashlight to observe how protected beads react differently from those without sunscreen. This visual demonstration clearly shows how effective sun protection is at blocking harmful UV rays.
To extend the learning beyond the activity, children receive take-home reminder cards about wearing sunscreen. Informational cards are also provided for parents, offering guidance on how to protect their children’s skin and reinforcing the importance of consistent sun safety habits.
SOMA will have a sign up sheet with a maximum of 20 volunteers to help staff the table, help kids with any part of the project, and answer questions. The event is hosted by the Erie Children’s Museum on May 9, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm, during their dedicated STEAM times. The Children’s museum will provide pipe cleaners, beads, and sunscreen for the project.