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      Sunburn, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe ways to avoid sunburn and explain what to do in the case of anaphylaxis.

      Key learning points

      1. Small amounts of sunshine are good for us but it is powerful and can damage our skin and eyes.
      2. Too much sun can give us sunburn and could cause cancer.
      3. We should protect ourselves from the sun using hats, clothes, sunglasses and suncream.
      4. Anaphylaxis can be caused by foods, animal bites and stings.
      5. If someone is showing symptoms of anaphylaxis, we need to find an adult quickly and may need to call 999.

      Keywords

      • Damage - to injure or cause us harm

      • Skin cancer - a serious illness that can be caused by skin being exposed to too much sun

      • Anaphylaxis - a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties

      Common misconception

      It's good to have a suntan.

      Although people might like the look of a suntan, being in bright sunshine without protection can be damaging for our skin. However, we need some sunshine to produce vitamin D, so a healthy balance is necessary. Using suncream can be a good solution.

      Teacher tip

      Show pupils how to check the UV forecast using the internet.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:germs,tiny living things that can make us ill

      tiny living things that can make us ill

      Correct Answer:disease,when germs get inside your body and make you feel sick

      when germs get inside your body and make you feel sick

      Correct Answer:airborne,when something travels through the air

      when something travels through the air

      Q2.
      A is a medicine that can stop us getting seriously ill and prevent others from getting ill too.

      Correct Answer: vaccination, vaccine, jab

      Q3.
      What number can we call in the UK to contact the emergency services?

      Correct Answer: 999, nine nine nine

      Q4.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: An emergency is a dangerous situation which needs immediate help.
      Something dangerous will help to keep us safe.
      Correct answer: Cuts and grazes need to be cleaned and sometimes a plaster should be used.
      It is safe for us to take any medicines.

      Q5.
      Match the behaviour with whether it is safe or unsafe.

      Correct Answer:walking into the road without looking,unsafe

      unsafe

      Correct Answer:wearing bright clothes near the road,safe

      safe

      Correct Answer:taking too much medicine,unsafe

      unsafe

      Correct Answer:swimming with a trusted adult,safe

      safe

      Q6.
      If we call the emergency services, we need to ...

      tell them what day of the week it is
      Correct answer: tell them where the emergency is
      Correct answer: tell them which emergency service we need
      tell them our favourite type of food

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:damage,to injure or cause us harm

      to injure or cause us harm

      Correct Answer:skin cancer,a serious illness that can be caused by being exposed to too much sun

      a serious illness that can be caused by being exposed to too much sun

      Correct Answer:anaphylaxis,a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties

      a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties

      Q2.
      Small amounts of sunshine are good for us, but it is powerful and can damage our skin and ...

      Correct Answer: eyes, eyeballs

      Q3.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: Too much sun can give us sunburn and could cause skin cancer.
      It's always good to have a suntan.
      People with darker skin don't get sunburn.
      Correct answer: Being in bright sunshine without protection can give us heatstroke.

      Q4.
      How can we protect ourselves in the sun?

      Correct answer: wear sun cream
      go swimming at the beach between 11am and 3pm
      Correct answer: cover our body with clothes
      Correct answer: wear a hat

      Q5.
      Anaphylaxis can be caused by , some medications and stings.

      Correct Answer: foods, food, eating

      Q6.
      What should we do if we think someone is experiencing anaphylaxis?

      wait and see if they get better
      Correct answer: call 999
      Correct answer: tell an adult
      give them medicine

      To help you plan your 4 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Sunburn, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...