Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Sun Safety Education in Calloway County Schools
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Public and Community Health
Minor
Marketing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Elizabeth Gordon
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer within the United States. Furthermore, in the United States, 95,000 individuals are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Skin 2023). Skin cancer can become deadly if not treated properly as more than two people die of the disease every hour in the United States (Skin 2023). However, the risk of developing skin cancer can be reduced greatly if taught how to properly protect oneself from the sun at a young age. Additionally, there are warning signs that individuals can learn to identify as early signs of skin cancer. Currently, most of the education efforts specifically for youth seem to be directed in coastal areas within the United States such California and Florida. However, there is risk for sun exposure that may lead to skin cancer in various parts of the country. The proposed project aims to assess the current status of sun safety education in Calloway county elementary and middle schools via a survey of teachers within these schools. Teachers will be asked if their curriculum includes sun safety education, if students' knowledge of the subject is assessed, and if resources are available in the school to protect students and staff from the sun during outside activities. Once data is collected, an analysis will be done to determine if there is adequate sun safety education within the schools. Based on the information received, recommendations for information that should be included in a sun safety lesson plan will be created that could theoretically be implemented within the schools in order to ensure students are properly equipped with knowledge on sun safety.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Sun Safety Education in Calloway County Schools
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer within the United States. Furthermore, in the United States, 95,000 individuals are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Skin 2023). Skin cancer can become deadly if not treated properly as more than two people die of the disease every hour in the United States (Skin 2023). However, the risk of developing skin cancer can be reduced greatly if taught how to properly protect oneself from the sun at a young age. Additionally, there are warning signs that individuals can learn to identify as early signs of skin cancer. Currently, most of the education efforts specifically for youth seem to be directed in coastal areas within the United States such California and Florida. However, there is risk for sun exposure that may lead to skin cancer in various parts of the country. The proposed project aims to assess the current status of sun safety education in Calloway county elementary and middle schools via a survey of teachers within these schools. Teachers will be asked if their curriculum includes sun safety education, if students' knowledge of the subject is assessed, and if resources are available in the school to protect students and staff from the sun during outside activities. Once data is collected, an analysis will be done to determine if there is adequate sun safety education within the schools. Based on the information received, recommendations for information that should be included in a sun safety lesson plan will be created that could theoretically be implemented within the schools in order to ensure students are properly equipped with knowledge on sun safety.