Ultraviolet Detecting Beads

(160 reviews)

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UV Beads, Assorted Colors
Item #: UV-AST
$6.95

14 points (Points accrued: 0)

2 oz. pkg. [~250 beads per pkg.]
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Bulk UV Beads - 3000 Beads Assorted Colors
Item #: UV-750
$54.95

110 points (Points accrued: 0)

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20,000 Assorted Ultraviolet Detecting Beads
Item #: UV-20K
$324.95

650 points (Points accrued: 0)

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Watch white beads change to bright colors when taken outside!

Description

Watch white beads change to bright colors when taken outside the building! When returned they turn back to white. What causes the change? Humidity? Temperature? Fresh air? Birds flying overhead? The beads contain pigments which react with ultraviolet light from the sun, even on a cloudy day. They also change with most classroom UV light sources. Students can make their own UV light detecting bracelet by stringing the beads on a pipe stem or on a strip of rawhide. Great for teaching UV awareness! Use the beads to test the UV blocking effectiveness of sunblock, sunglasses, windows, etc. Lesson activities are included. Available in six colors, all beads are pale, off-white in the absence of UV light. The ultraviolet beads will cycle back and forth (to bright colors and back again) over 50,000 times! Approximately 250 beads per 2 ounce package. Looking for individual colors? Click here.

All of our UV beads are the same size. Approximate bead dimensions:
diameter 8.5 mm (5/16") - center hole 3.6 mm (9/64")

How many bracelets? How much rawhide?

UV-AST 250 beads - 25 bracelets - 25' = nine yards of UV-RAW.
UV-750 3000 beads - 300 bracelets - 300' = four rolls of UV-310

Download the MSDS of this product.

Video

Lesson Ideas

Download the pdf of our lesson!

We're delighted that the Stanford SOLAR (Solar On-Line Activity Resource) Center, in conjunction with NASA and the Learning Technologies Channel, have incorporated our UV Detecting Beads in their UV light lesson plans. If you're interested in lessons that really GLOW with hands-on activities, you'll want to take a look at these free resources:

42-page Lesson Plan for grades 2-4.

34-page Lesson Plan for grades 5-8.

22-page Lesson Plan for grades 9-12.

Learn more about what makes our UV Light Detecting Beads change colors here.

Download the MSDS of this product.

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Reviews

160 reviews

Seeing the Invisible

Sep 29, 2021

I have been using these UV Beads for more than a decade as a part of an electromagnetic spectrum series of activities to demonstrate these difficult concepts with younger audiences as they relate to the Hubble Space Telescope and now with comparisons to the ready to launch James Webb Space Telescope. They are extremely simple to use with the content and kids love them. I have had teachers in workshops come up to me years later with their middle school beads restrung on a leather or more permanent bracelet to show the impact.

Rick Varner

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Colour enquiry

Feb 5, 2021

I just wanted to know if what colour the beads show are always the same colour once put in the sun, like for instance is it possible to make an all blue bracelet? Hope that makes sense lol

Daniel

Owner Response: If they start out blue, they will always be blue when exposed to a UV light source. When they are not exposed, they go back to white.

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UV Beads

Jun 17, 2020

So many of Educational Innovation products do well at teaching concepts. Although now retired from 47 years of teaching chemistry, I still remember the day that my community college class went outside with the UV beads. There is nothing like watching award winning football players literally PUSH the girls in the class out of the way because they wanted to be first to get the color of beads they wanted for a bracelet to wear during the next football playoff ! Any time I needed to refer to topics related to the spectrum or UV, a quick reference to this activity made so. much sense. I am a Piagetian constructivist teacher and this activity fits right in with the educational effectiveness studies that are on going since the 1930's

Bernard Hermanson

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Staple

Apr 24, 2020

I have used these every year for the last 9 years. When we start our summer program at the Boys & Girls Club we make these bracelets to show when we need sunscreen. I have some kids that will wear their bracelets all summer.

Roni

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UV Beads

Feb 17, 2020

Love the beads, students are amazed at how they change in the sunlight. Took them on a mission trip to Columbia last summer, after we made bracelets we went outside to see how UV sunglasses blocked the UV rays, worked great.

Judy Horstman

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Amateur astronomer

May 8, 2019

I bought a number of these beads to make solar bracelets that I will give to people when I am doing sidewalk astronomy and showing the Sun through a telescope. I was concerned as I had read of people buying UV beads that did not change colour at all. I am happy to report that these beads work splendidly as I tested them all when I made the bracelets. I will definitely buy more from here even though the cost is higher as I am in Canada

Keith Cooper

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Great teaching tool

Mar 3, 2019

Used them for our libraries summer program. Easy way to introduce science to young kids. We made bookmarks and strung the beads on them.

Jodi Smiley

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Love these!

Jun 29, 2018

Excellent for my fourth and fifth graders who are studying alternative energy and solar system.

Lou

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Retired Teacher

May 11, 2018

I used these UV beads with 5th graders as a teacher volunteer! The kids made bracelets. It was an overcast day about to rain! When the kids walked outside the beads changed instantly! It was glorious to hear the sequels and excitement out of these kids! It was glorious to see this reaction!! Thanks for a great product that is affordable!!!

Barb Eshenour

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Better than your average UV beads

May 1, 2018

We've used a lot of UV beads, and these are the brightest. It's great to have the full rainbow of colors available, and they're brighter than most. They're also more expensive than the ones we usually get, but for times where quality matters, I'd reorder these in a heartbeat.

Jessica Henricks

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As Advertised

Nov 23, 2016

Great product! The beads behave just as advertised. Great for showing the presence of UV rays.

Jane G

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UV Beads: Oxygen cycle lab

Oct 30, 2016

I created a 5 station activity where students rolled a die to see what happened to their oxygen molecule. The mixed bag comes with 5 colors, of which I pre-separated. Kids did it with window blinds down and gained a bead from each station (one stations was Ozone) to make a keychain. We then went outside to see the results! Fun Lab!

Melissa

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consumer

Jul 13, 2016

always a hit--good for energy, solar system,

Mary Hughes

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UV Detecting Beads

Jul 11, 2016

AMAZING! My daughter has an autoimmune disease that has UV rays as the trigger. She wears a bracelet and I made a keychain to help us see when the rays are evident!

Keri Winters

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As Promised

Jul 8, 2016

Great product! I used them with kindergarten to explain the importance of sunscreen. The experiment the students designed with only a little help allowed them to "do science" by testing a variety of sunscreens. Awesome introduction to scientific method.

Sue

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Bright Beads

May 30, 2016

These beads are very bright in full sun and sensitive to lower levels of UV as well. I used them in a sunscreen testing experiment with my ninth grade biology students. They work very well.

Sarah

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Color changing beads

May 29, 2016

Lots of fun. Kids love working with them. Colors are not as intense as pictured

Sally gold

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Program Assistant

Apr 26, 2016

The ultra violet beads are a great hit for our sun safety sessions during Safety Day each spring. The children, K-5, love threading them on pipe cleaners and wear as bracelets to remind them to protect themselves against the dangerous rays of the sun.

Jane Ryan

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UV Beads

Apr 22, 2016

Both children and adults loved the beads. We used them to help explain when to wear sunscreen and how the chemicals in sunscreen protect our skin from burning.

Hilary Kerchner

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Great product

Apr 20, 2016

Great product, and great company to work with.

Amanda Oloff

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Uv Bead Bracelett

Mar 9, 2016

These beads are great. The children liked the fact that they would change color when worn outside of the museum. We were able to relate them to the sample rocks in the Geology Hall.

Jill Aubin

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Thanks for help with homework!:3

Dec 4, 2015

Thanks!:3

Anthony

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UV pony beads

Dec 3, 2015

Done well

Stephen Bunker

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A great item for studying scientific processes at any level

Sep 8, 2015

Students can learn about observation vs inference, writing a good hypothesis, designing an experiment, experimental controls- you name it - these work for it all!

Terese Grateful

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UV Beads

Aug 17, 2015

These have so many uses for a variety of ages.

Nancy Toomey

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UV beads

Jul 19, 2015

Right on.The right stuff arrived arrived in shortest time as promised.

Thandiza

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UV Beads great for STEM and Sun Safety

Jul 10, 2015

Kids are Fascinated by the UV Beads and their reaction to sunlight. They are great get acquainted tools for kids in cabins as they string each bead on a cord, they share something about themselves...In STEM they are sensors or indicators of something that we can't see, UV rays and for sun safety they let kids know that even in the shade, you may need Sun Screen for safety.

David Seilstad

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UV beads

Jun 16, 2015

I have been using these for years for my curriculum both for schools and camps. Great way to teach about the sun and UV.

Patricia Brown

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UV Beads: Careful Carol's 1st Choice

May 19, 2015

Working with 2nd graders on sun safety and star activities, the UV Beads made great impression. Quickly demonstrating UV radiation detection in a simple manner and using different levels of SPF lotions for testing.

Rick Varner

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UV Beads

May 17, 2015

The process of ordering and receiving was simple. The delivery was quick and efficient. Ordering from New Zealand does significantly raise the cost of single purchases but I intend to order again due to the limited availability of many science related resources here.

Steven Sexton

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UV beads

May 2, 2015

The are great, multi colored, change quickly

Hannah

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UV beads

Apr 2, 2015

Quick turn around.

Corinna

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UV Beads

Feb 25, 2015

Excellent teaching tools and great souvenir for students of all ages. I even like the little tags with the beads that I get at Science meetings. also helps explain which light sources also have UV waves. Since we can't see the UV waves, we just need something that reacts to the presence of UV.....mimics many physics experiments.

Trina Cannon

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UV Beads

Feb 12, 2015

The UV detection beads are the most amazing things for teaching children to be sun smart. In New Zealand where there is a high incidence of Melanoma the beads are a visual reminder for the children to use sunscreen and wear a hat.

Gloria Witheford

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Great product

Jan 29, 2015

Great science project for kids - beads change color under UV light.

Dani Ackerman

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Terrific resource for energy studies

Jan 25, 2015

In addition to using these to reinforce our lesson on solar energy (grades 5-6), we also will use them this summer in beach camp. (Students do not like to apply sunscreen so they will wear bracelets made with these before they can hit the beach: if there is any indication that UV radiation is present - i.e., when beads turn color, they have to head back to the dorm before being allowed near the beach/water. (And WE don't have to nag!)

Karen Schedler

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Mystery UV Beads

Dec 23, 2014

The kids loved the product which brought the skill to life.

Jordan

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UV beads

Nov 19, 2014

Great service and delivery

Ernesto Damas

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Uv bead

Oct 4, 2014

I got the white beads to use for fourth grade experiment to extend learning about light waves. The students came up with a variety of ways to check what decreased uv absorption. They loved the changing colors, bartered for changing beads with other students, and then took their beads home to teach their parents about uv Rays.

Mary Ann Regehr

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Beads

Sep 19, 2014

I give packets of beads with rainbow string to children of the world. Beads are universally appreciated, use sun power, serve as uv detectors, and are fun!

George zimmerman

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Best Quality

Sep 17, 2014

While these are more expensive than other brands, they are definitely worth the price. They start changing color instantly and the UV coating lasts for many years.

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fantastic UV demonstration

Aug 8, 2014

The beads turn color quickly in sunlight and with the right UV light! Great demonstration for showing the importance of photochemistry.

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UV Bead Fun

Aug 4, 2014

I downloaded a data table to use from NASA to "test" the beads in different situations. Was very effective lesson. Kids made bracelets and put them in water, in a car, behind sunglasses, etc.

Summer Science Teacher

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UV Beads Serve the Purpose!

Jul 16, 2014

The UV beads that we ordered are great! They have made great UV bracelets for our education project on UV rays and protecting your eyes.

Mary Crawley

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Fun

Jul 1, 2014

These work better than expected. Nice way to combine science with bling for my six-year-old daughter and her friends.

Michele

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SPF Beads

Jun 23, 2014

I have used these beads for a lab on SPF, UV exposure, Ozone depletion, and Incidence of Skin Cancer. My students totally enjoy this activity. They also make their own "SPF" bead bracelets to evaluate their own exposure/risk.

Paula Ferneza

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Excellent Customer Service!

May 13, 2014

We always receive excellent customer service and quality science products. Great communication from staff when there is a question or concern!

Retha

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Fun, Easy & Inexpensive UV activity

May 9, 2014

The UV beads are a fun, easy and inexpensive way to explain UV light and how the eye "sees" light in classes from middle school all the way through college.

Rose Marie Lewis

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Great!

Apr 25, 2014

Made bracelets and tested why the beads changed. The kids loved the activity and learned valuable sun safety

Sharon Roberson

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Too many pink!

Apr 21, 2014

I ordered the assorted beads and the bag had a blue paper that said assorted as well. To my disappointment and my students' disappointment, they were mostly pink. I have ordered these beads from your company for years and this has never happened before.

Tabatha Brown

Owner Response: We're sorry you had so many of one color of beads. We try to include approximately the same number of each color in each bag. We will be sending you a replacement bag today.

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UV Beads

Apr 17, 2014

These beads are a hit in Kansas!

Serita

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CEO

Apr 14, 2014

Love these beads. So do the kids.

Atomz Lab

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UV beads, FUN for all ages!!

Apr 6, 2014

These UV sensitive pony beads are FANTASTIC!! I had ordered them for a bracelet making project with our local elementary school, and we alternated the UV beads with solid colored beads to create patterns. In the sunshine, however, their creations take on a character all their own! These beads return their "milky white" color when shielded from UV rays, and are an absolute delight!! Educational Innovations shipped very quickly! I have nothing but praise for the supplier and materials! We WILL be ordering again.

Jessica

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Director

Mar 25, 2014

We use our UV beads to make bracelets at Fun in the Sun Day events for our preschoolers....love them!

Jane

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UV Beads

Mar 16, 2014

I love the price and quantity that I get when I order your UV beads. I teach in middle school so I like that I can provide an overall educational experience without the cost being ridiculous.

Janet Fleenor

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UV-sensitive beads are fun

Dec 17, 2013

UV-sensitive beads are a perennial favorite at our outreach events with middle schools

Alex Madonik

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Women in Technology Program Coordinator

Nov 18, 2013

UV beads are a wonderful tool to teach children about the sun's rays. This is a great activity for small or large groups. Both younger students and older students enjoy this activity. The product was shipped quickly and arrived in perfect condition.

Loretta Krenitsky

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Color Beads- idea from my class

Nov 14, 2013

Perfect example to show children with these beads. Inexpensive and they LOVE it!

April Harri

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Fun and educational product!

Oct 30, 2013

The beads change color very quickly into pink, orange, yellow, blue and purple when exposed to sunlight. On cloudy days, the color changes slower. When not exposed to UV light, the beads are opaque white.

K Day

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UV beads

Sep 29, 2013

I regularly use these in teaching about observation and inference. Ordering and delivery were easy and efficient!

Rachel

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Founder

Sep 27, 2013

Unfortunately, I did not receive the beads in time because they were shipped to someone else. However, customer service was AMAZING. They reimbursed my shipping charges; overnighted the beads and gave me a GC.

Dawn

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crazy fast delivery

Aug 30, 2013

Can't believe how quickly my order arrived! I put them on my car seat to take them into work and could see the colors, bright and easy to distinguish. Cool!!

Sandra

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Wonderful Beads!

Aug 24, 2013

These UV detecting beads are not only a hit with the kids I bought them for, but with my adult friends too! I may have to buy more now, since everyone wants to take a handful home.

Rachel Goldsmith

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UVA/ UVB Beads

Jul 30, 2013

The beads arrived promptly and were used as a VBS craft. The kids really enjoyed their "color change" bracelets, and got a bonus lesson on using sunscreen.

Sandy

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UV Beads

Jul 17, 2013

Great beads. Used them at Girl Scout camp and they were a hit!!

LeAnne Beardsley

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been buying UV-beads since before 1994!

Jul 10, 2013

These are amazing beads that students (and grown-ups) love and get so excited about! Questions are asked and all sorts of answers are formulated by inquiring minds! Although, I can buy them at many more places now... I always return to Educational Innovations for my beads !!!

tien huynh-dinh

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UV Beads Great Product

Jun 19, 2013

Awesome product. My daughter loves these. It's amazing how they start white and how brightly colored they become in the sun. Now she knows a bit about UV light.

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Neat!

Jun 9, 2013

These are really neat! Your students or kids will love them!!!

Lynn

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UV Beads

May 24, 2013

Arrived quickly in great condition and they work very well.

Jennifer Boyd

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Great learning tool

May 16, 2013

I learned about these beads from an EPA presentation on sun safety, and plan to use them in my community teaching children's groups about sun protection. Great visual tool!

Kristin

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4-H Program Asst.

May 8, 2013

Used beads for a Farm Safety Day Sun Safety session. Youth were amazed at how fast the beads turned when they went out of the building.

Sharon Grahmann

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UV Beads a hit!

May 4, 2013

My students were thrilled with experimenting with the UV beads as part of our Grade 6 Earth and Space unit. I would definitely purchase again.

Paula McReelis

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Instant UV Protection

Apr 18, 2013

I am UV allergic and must limit sun exposure. These beads let me test my house and car windows for a fraction of the cost of a UV meter. I wear them always and keep two small pack in my purse (one to expose and one to compare). They confirmed my worry about restaurant window seats. The big surprise was how much UV there is in shade.

C. Kelsey

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very satisfied

Feb 16, 2013

I am very satisfied, only wish budget were larger so I could give some to all the school classes.

Mr. Hand

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Kids Love Them

Jan 3, 2013

They work as advertised and the kids love them.

Kent Sellars

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Fast delivery

Sep 24, 2012

Items were delivered on time for our fair,and they were what we expected.Thanks alot

Teanna

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My kids loved it!

Sep 5, 2012

I used this one with 4 to 5 old kids and they were really happy with this. Finally, I had to stop them running outside and back to see color changing in order to move to next progrm.

Joy

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Director

Aug 8, 2012

Our Girl Scouts have enjoyed using the beads at camp this week.

LInda Kernik

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UV beads - a wow for all seasons

Aug 8, 2012

I think anyone who has used the UV beads in the classroom has gotten an overwhelming positive response from the students. If I go to a class, I have to work hard to explain "No, it's not magic, it's science!!" But I've found that adults can enjoy the beads as much as the children. I make keychains with the beads, that go on purses or backpacks or, yes, keys. I get 10-20 (or more) feet of chain at a local hardware store, along with three connectors per foot, since I cut the chain into 4 inch pieces to make the keychains. I get connectors that are slightly larger than the inside diameter of the beads, so the beads won't go flying off the connector end when the keychain is opened. I've taken the beads to doctors' offices (especially the dermatologist's and the optometrist's), with some spares for the doctors to share with their staff and patients. I've also made over a hundred for a friend who opened a spa recently, so that she could give them out at her grand opening and during Spa Week, to make her clients aware of how much UV there can be even on a cloudy day or in the shade. Most recently I've made 90 (with white beads and connectors) for a family wedding (informal, in a garden), to be used as favors during the reception; we made little kits with beads and pipe cleaners for the attending children to make bracelets. You might wonder how I've made so many without aggravating carpal tunnel syndrome. Well, it's a great way to pass the time when one is laid up with a fractured heel...

Julia Saba

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Fun way to introduce UV exposure

Jul 21, 2012

Along with the 25-yard bulk rawhide spool, I was able to supply students (late high school, early college age) with 10 beads and about 15" of rawhide to make their own UV-sensitve bracelets. Students loved making the bracelets and wearing them while working outdoors on a community service project. They are a great way to reinforce the need for sunscreen and drive home concern about UV exposure.

Brent Studer

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UV bead

Jul 13, 2012

These beads are a good value because of their reasonable cost. They are mixed colors, and for best use should be supplied to students after their colors are revealed under a black light.

Tom Wellnitz

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Great beads

Jul 13, 2012

The beads worked as advertised. Our friends became very interested in using them.

Jeff

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Great Beads!

Jul 10, 2012

I've seen others - but none compare to these! This is our third order. Bracelets are a 'free beach day' activity,kids get creative,learn sun safety too. Girls & boys, all ages love them. Your customer service is awesome too! THANKS, Sandusky County Park District

Jeanne

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UV Sensitive Beads

Jul 2, 2012

I used these uv beads for girls in 6th-8th grade at a Girl Scout Day Camp as we worked on a Sun Safety Patch. They were great and the girls absolutely loved how they worked! I would recommend this product for science experiments having to do with uv rays.

Catherine Cothren

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Fantastic!

Jun 30, 2012

Wonderful to make bracelets when used with rawhide, string, etc...Helps to illustrate the presence of ultraviolet radiation and the possible effects to humans for any age group. Highly recommend!

Michelle

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A definite hit!

Jun 29, 2012

Great, fun product. Used on lanyard strings and pipe cleaners with my 6 and 3 year old. We plan to take to the beach for a fun, practical beach craft that doubles as sun safety and can be gifted to the rest of the family. This is an even assortment of 5 colors (pink, orange, yellow, blue and purple). Colors change within seconds, take a little longer to fade back to white.

MomToThree

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Great and educational!

Jun 25, 2012

These beads are great for teaching kids about UV rays and exposure to skin; they're also really cool! The page of suggestions for how to use them and ideas for experiments - testing sunscreen on beads! - was very useful. These are the perfect fit for our health-based camp when talking about staying safe in the sun. We'll be back for more next summer!

Julie

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Tracy

Jun 18, 2012

Except for the shipping, the price and the product was excellent. I really wish the shipping were less expensive for small amounts . It is the only thing that would keep me from buying from you again.

Tracy Comer

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Awesome

Jun 13, 2012

The UV beads were a hit at science day. Thanks for the quick delivery.

Monica

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UV Detecting Beads

Jun 3, 2012

Great bulk buy, brilliant for making 'SunSmart' bracelets.

Grant Cunningham

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UV Beads

May 30, 2012

These beads are great for both exploration with the scientific method and for learning about UV light.

Katherine Wolfram

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UV beads are amazing

May 30, 2012

Ever since I first saw these beads I have been using them in class.. I usually give them out for kids to keep and they love them. They can be used as one of many demos in teaching the EM spectrum, but can also be used as a lab tool in checking the efectiveness of sun screen. I eveen give them out whe doing photosynthesis in biology, as an example of pigments and absorbtion of solar energy

Don Clark

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Great for teaching and everyday use

May 29, 2012

These beads are a great way to demonstrate how sunblock blocks UV light. When exposed to natural or artificial UV light beads covered with sunblock remain white while those without sunblock turn vibrant colors. After the demonstration/experiment the beads can be added to a bracelet, necklace, or shoelace to inform the wearer when they are being zapped with UV light are in need of sunscreen. I worked at a summercamp where these were warn by campers for fashion and safety.

Scott Stockert

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What you see is not what you get

May 29, 2012

I have used UV beads for years in my classroom as a way of showing something you can't always see- UV light! They are a great way to introduce a unit on solar energy and also a fantastic material to use in simple experiments where you are asking students to isolate one variable. They are also one of the few materials I would use with any grade!

karen ginsberg

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go sunscreen!

May 29, 2012

I use these with my preschool classes at the start of the year to emphasize the importance of sunscreen. Each child makes a bracelet and we cover a test bracelet in sunscreen. The pink ones especially drive home the point!

stephanie smith

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They never get old...

May 29, 2012

We use these every summer to make UV Detecting bracelets for camp kids so they have a constant reminder to apply some sunblock. Plus it is great to show them that even if it is cloudy, there is still enough UV around to make them change colour.

Michael

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advancedscienceteacher

May 29, 2012

Kids love to make bracelets and see how they change colors when exposed to UV lights.

Janet Sweat

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UV Beads

May 29, 2012

We like to test glasses and sunglasses with these beads to see if they really do block UV rays! The beads fit nicely on pipe cleaners. Kids LOVE them!

Susan Roberts

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Science Facilitator

May 29, 2012

The looks of amzement and the excitment of my younger students is beyond words. The idea of having 'cool' Science jewlery (as per my students) is a great way to get the students talking!! (notonly about their braclets and necklaces, but why they are changing colors). They are all able to explain the solar power of the beads. I have one little girl whose mother actually placed them in her hair!! What a great way to combine fun & learning!!!

LIsa Dizengoff

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lovey beads

May 26, 2012

These uv beads are awesome! When I discuss the idea of radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum, these beads come in handy for various activities. The kids love making indicator bracelets, plus they become more aware of taking care of their skin health.

Kristy

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great summer activity

May 25, 2012

I've used UV beads with all ages (K-16) and everyone loves them! We slather them with various sunscreens or use the UV filters for experiments.

Starr Jordan

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Always a great activity

May 25, 2012

Students love these because it makes an 'invisible' concept visible. They also love to take them home and show them off.

Michelle Bertke

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Ultraviolet Color Changing Beads

May 24, 2012

These are the best beads! My students love watching them go from white to different colors in the sun. I use these beads to make bracelets at the end of the school year when I talk about sun safety. I have the children make guesses about what they think will happen when we change from inside to outside. They change really fast, too!

Christen Foote

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Good Buy

May 24, 2012

This is a great first day of school activity or science club activity. It really gets the kids interested. I also have some on my bags/wallet zippers - when they change color it reminds me to wear sunscreen:)

Carrie Jones

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Wow Beads

May 23, 2012

I called this Wow Beads, because that is what my students say whenever we use these. I use these when I am teaching about the energy/light waves and we discuss the UV waves. When the students get their beads and take them outside, that's when the WOW happens. The students loves seeing the beads change colors, and that opens up new discussions in Science. That is always one of my choice reactions.

Mattie Jacobs

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UV Beads brighten the day!

May 22, 2012

What a great way to demonstrate WHY we should be wearing sunscreen to protect us from the invisible UV rays of the sun. We placed several beads in clear plastic baggies and then sprayed the bags with different strengths of SPF. It was a perfect demonstration of how the higher numbers block more rays. Now my room smells like sunscreen most days!

Elizabeth Montgomery-Lewis

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Solar Beads

May 22, 2012

My class was amazed as the white beads turned different colors. It wasa wow factor introduction into our science unit on the sun's energy. highly recommended for all ages. many of my students still are wearing their bracelets.

Susan P

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Science Teacher

May 22, 2012

These beads work very well to illustrate the power of UV rays. During our unit on Solar Energy, my students put these beads on a pipe cleaner, wore them out to recess, and came back in marveling at how the UV rays really were out there even on a cloudy day!

Diane Moritz

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These beads are great.

May 22, 2012

I use these beads when studying the electromanetic spectrum. I've used them for investigating different sunscreens. One year I took students to a marine science camp, and they wore their bead bracelets to remind them to apply sunscreen!

Christine Hess

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Great for Inquiry

May 22, 2012

I have created an inquiry based experiment where kids use these beads to test the SPF of sunscreen. They are consistent and work well in testing situations.

Dawn Fregosa

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Bead Surprise

May 22, 2012

UV Beads are an excellent way to start the school year. I used them the first week of school to review the scientific method with my students. They were each sent home with a UV bead bracelet and asked to observe any changes. Next they were posing hypotheses to what caused the change. Engaging experience for all.

Shelley Barker

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Great...even for high school

May 22, 2012

We used these beads to introduce cancer prevention and uv radiation in our 12th grade global science classes. The kids had never seen the products before and were amazed at the color changes. They also became earily aware of how poorly they protect their skin when they applied sunscreen to the beads and they still turned the colors of the rainbow. (Those students who applied the creams properly were left with unchanged beads!)

Aimee Durkos

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GeekydorkGal

May 22, 2012

We made "UV Men" out of these beads and pipe cleaners. My students had to come up with a solution for how to protect their UV man from the Sun if they went to Mars. This was one part of "How You Can Die on Mars". Students always wonder why we don't just go to Mars and other planets, so this was a really fun way to show students the contrast of our lovely planet and the uninhabitable nature of Mars. Love these!

Janine Bennette

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UV Beads

May 22, 2012

Our school recently had a grade 6-8 "STEM Night". Our theme was "It's Sring, Go Green". One of our booths was the UV Beads and the suntan lotion test. Our students and families were amazed at the results! Everyone visiting the booth got to take home thier pipe cleaner UV bead bracelet also. Fun and educational!!

Margaret Carter

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A hit

May 22, 2012

I had a practicum in a third grade class teaching science, more specifically, UV protection. I used these UV detecting beads and the students absolutely loved them! The best was their reaction to when they first noticed the beads changing colors in the UV light. My lessons were a hit and I am incredibly thankful for finding these simple yet powerful beads.

Jillian Olson

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Edutaining

May 22, 2012

We love to get these beads and take them to our classroom, not only do the children love to make their own UV Beads Keychain but it is also an easy and fun way to teach them about the UV Rays of the sun. I love the fact that they can actually get hands on with the product and see with their own eyes that the beads change color when outside. It always has a great outcome and the kids really enjoy getting the hands on lesson!

Andrea

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UV Beads

May 22, 2012

With summer approaching, the UV beads are perfect for an end-of-the-year lab. We place the beads in different baggies coated with different types of sunscreens, place them in the sun, and then view the intensities. Besides learning about the negative effects of UV radiation, it's perfect for reviewing a control, dependent, and independent variables. Kids then string the beads onto rawhide and have a great reminder to take home with them of UV radiation.

Tom Bennett

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science teacher grade 8

May 22, 2012

The UV beads provided for an excellent extension lab to our atmosphere section of our weather unit in grade 8. These beads really offer an opportunity to have a differentiated lab based on the capability of the students. I offered many choices for the lab using the beads which varied among the students from the most protected to the least protected beads in the class. It was interesting to see what students thought would work well really did not and vice-versa.

Renee Wollersheim

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Sci fair topic!

May 22, 2012

I ordered these to assist one of my students and her sci fair project to see if sunscreen really worked. I was thrilled when I pulled them out of the package in my sunfilled kitchen and they instantly began to turn white! Great product!

Leslie Bulger

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Enlightening

May 22, 2012

These beads are such a great way to show the power of the sun and the presence of UV light. Even younger kids can see that the sun is changing the beads even though they cannot see the UV light itself. They are so much fun for kids - and adults get excited by them too!

Sara Randall

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Always a winner

May 22, 2012

These ultraviolet beads continue to fascinate any age. Whether a pre-school room or a Fifth Grade room, child love them. We have fun watching the beads under sunglasses, in medicine bottles, etc.

ABS

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Great tool

May 22, 2012

We strung these together with non-UV beads as a "prize" for our Family Science event. Kids hung them on their backpacks. It was great seeing them make observations later about when they would change color and when they would not. Recess and after school time became a time to "experiment" with these beads. Would they change color in the shade? under a coat? Is it heat? or light? What about classroom light? or LED? light. Great and intuitive product.

Jennifer Leimberer

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First day activity

May 19, 2012

We make bracelets the first day of class, but they don't know that they will change color in sunlight. They wear them home and come back excited and ready for a great year of science.

Margaret Flack

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Outstanding Product!

May 18, 2012

My high school honors chemistry students love these beads! They can be used to start a variety of discussions, for example electrons, light and energy, and the health effects of uv exposure.

Tammy Neslin

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Really cool beads

May 17, 2012

Our granddaughter is turning 10 and asked for these beads. She had found out about them through her 4-H leader. They can learn about UV rays by putting them in the sun. They really work. When they came they were white and we took them out in the sun and they turned purple,pink and yellow. Glad I found you!!!

Deb Lantzky

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Beads & Light

May 17, 2012

Every year I have used these beads to amazing my students, engage them in science, and watch their reaction to these color changing beads. They are great products, durable, and science-based.

Linda

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EXCELENTE

May 17, 2012

Much impressed by the change in color. Highly recommended.

Gabriel

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Safe summer with UV beads

May 17, 2012

UV detecting beads is a great product to prepare kids for summer! After long winter we (not only kids, but also parents) are so happy about warm sunny days,so we can forget about the real power of the sun.This often results with sunburns. Now we have a great UV indicator bracelet, we had much fun to make it together with kids! They love their bracelets and often take a look, how magic beads are "feeling" now. So, they know the time to put on their hats and t-shirts. I suppose, we will have great sunny summer without sunburns!

Marina Shilina

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UV Bead - Delightful!

May 16, 2012

After being incredibly pleased and surprised with my own unexpected surprise of UV Beads at a NEEDS Conference, I went online and purchased more for my classes. These middle schoolers LOVE THEM! They will turn in missing assignments, play bingo and remain focused through a block period to earn these beads! Thank You.

Diane

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great product!

May 16, 2012

I use these for teaching my 1st grade students about the sun and UV rays. They work really well at showing how when we wear clothing, it helps protect us from the sun, but not all the way- the colors truly are lighter! Excellent product, and VERY well priced for how many are in a package!

Joanne Michael

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Uv Beads

May 16, 2012

I have ordered these beads over a period of several years. Currently, I make small bracelets for students who read a given amount of books. I put a string of UV beads on our Name That Book book marks for students who participated in the competition.

Joan Gentry

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Excelent product

May 16, 2012

Children love the bracelets mad with these beads. Whwn i tech them how to protect them sefvs in the sunny sommer days, these beads are verry usefull. Excelent

Angela Margareta Ionescu

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Fun and Fabulous

May 16, 2012

We use these beads at our science camp and they are great! The kids love them and they are durable and inexpensive.

Cheryl Wistrom

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Fun Product

May 16, 2012

I've used these beads for several years and the kids love them. Some years we've put them on pipe cleaners and tested a variety of materials to see what will block out UV. Other years, I've told the students that they will change colors under certain conditions and ask them to design tests to determine what will make them change.

C Kemner

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Sunwise

May 16, 2012

We used these beads for a Sunwise demonstration on Earth Day. The kids loved them! Check out our pictures on our Facebook page, Gene Eard Elementary:Jardin del Sol. Earth Day

Fran Gollmer

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Ultraviolet beads

May 16, 2012

Very good product--easy to use for demonstration purposes yet easy for students to manipulate as well

Julie Luehmann

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UV Beads

May 16, 2012

I use this as a culminating activity for my physics classes. They really enjoy making a bracelet, key chain, necklace, etc., and actually learn in the process. Love the UV beads

Judith L. Schriver

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Aerospace Education Specialist

May 16, 2012

The UV Beads are a staple part of the Sun-Earth relationship activities. They represent an inexpensive means for students to detect Ultraviolet Radiation in consumer science, health indicators, shielding and radiation of UV, etc... An essential hands-on student activity for electromagnetic spectrum activities!

Rick Varner

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UV Beads

May 16, 2012

Have become one our most useful tools for teaching about the electromagnetic spectrum, solar energy, color, and more!

Melanie LaBorwit

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Easy indicator

May 16, 2012

I have used these beads for several years now. They are fun for the kids to use as an ultraviolet indicator, and the kids have noticed that they turn differing degrees of color based on the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. In cloudy or shady situations they will be paler than in full bright sunlight. They have also noticed that the color saturation changes during different parts of the day. A few beads, made into a bracelet or necklace, make a handy UV indicator to check exposure during outdoor play or activity.

Teena K.

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UV Beads for inquiry

May 16, 2012

We do an inquiry lab where all we tell our students is that these beads have a unique property. We encourage them to go home and try to discover the unique property. The next day we discuss their approach and results. Finally we end with an experiment to verify their hypotheses.

Lynda Rupp

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great for lessons

May 16, 2012

these are great for lessons on sunscreen and how it can (or sometimes cant) help protect our skin...plus the kids love them. They are also great for lessons on density as they will float in water while other beads tend to sink.

DiAnna Martinez

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Good for Sunscreen Experiments.

May 16, 2012

My high school students love to go tanning, but we all know that tanning damages our skin. Explaining that UV light penetrates the skin is tough to do on the blackboard, but these little beads make it tangible. My students first take them out in the sun and see them change color. We go back inside and discuss what's happening on a cellular level. Then they design an experiment (INQUIRY!!!) using sunscreen to test effectiveness, SPFs, expiration dates, water-proofing ability, etc. After they experiment, they present their findings to the class. I then give them a take home challenge to find other sources of UV light in their environment other than the sun. Love these beads. They do wear out after a couple of years, but they are priced cheap enough that I can replace them when needed. The kids also have fun trading other students for the colors they want (since you can't tell until they are out in the sun...)

Mary

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UV beads are great!

May 16, 2012

I have been using the UV beads with my 7th grade science students for many years. The students always find out something new: things that block UV rays (honey was my favorite, but we decided that wasn't practical as a sunscreen!) and sources of UV radiation. The students design and conduct their own experiments, and then they share their results with their peers. This activity is one that I will continue to do.

Mary Ann Hopple

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UV Beads--MARVY!!

May 16, 2012

The UV beads are absolutely wonderful!!! The kids are amazed when they make their bracelets and take them out in the sun. You can also use them and show how sunscreen still gets through to some extent.

Miriam Sawyer

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Ultraviolet Detecting Beads

May 16, 2012

These photochromic beads never fail to amaze my students (or me, for that matter). This is one of the best ways to demonstrate a reversible photochemical reaction that I have been able to find.

Dr. Art Friedman

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Amazing

May 16, 2012

I don't tell the students that they change colors love their expressions when we go outside. Even high school students love these!!

Betty Smith

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UV Beads

May 16, 2012

I absolutely love this product! These are not easily found at local stores. I was surprised at how quickly they arrived in the mail when I ordered them! I used them with a 1st grade classroom. I plan to use them in upper elem. classrooms at well. All of the children LOVED them. For their assignment they used the beads to make a bracelet. Their "job" was to observe and predict what might happen to the beads over a 24 hour period. I had parents tell me their children are still wearing their bracelets daily (and it's been several months!) It's so great to hear their conversations about what time of day is the "hottest" or how the sun is hidden by the clouds, but their beads still light up (so they know they need to protect themselves with sun block) I will be buying more of these very soon!

Kristen Mercurio

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weird...

May 16, 2012

We were a little stunned to see the beads lightly changing color even inside- just from the ambient sunlight from the window!

Jeanne Conatser

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Lots of fun!

May 16, 2012

I purchased these a while back for my preschooler and his friends. They loved making jewelry and conducting science experiments. They put the beads in baggies and tested out different sunblocks slathered on the bags. I would recommend these for any age. They'd be great as a party favor or craft too.

Kim L.

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Magic Rainbow

May 16, 2012

The kids love to watch them change color in sunlight. Great for testing sunscreens too!

Brian

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Energy Program Secretary

May 16, 2012

These beads are great! Our primary schools teachers use them in their classrooms to teach about energy from the sun - solar energy. The kids love them and learn valuable lessons at the same time.

Joy Norfleet

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Awesome!!!

May 16, 2012

UV beads are awesome demonstration tools when working with the EM Spectrum! They change color quick and are great at capturing students attention - especially when you can give them some to take with them and share with their friends!

Tim Thomas

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ultraviolet beads

May 16, 2012

We've ordered the beads for our Physics Fair for nine years now and they continue to be a hit. The kids make jewelry, hair ornaments, shoe strings while learning something along the way!

Pam Carmen

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Cute and fun

May 16, 2012

Lots of fun, good illustration of a principle, and something kids can take home and show and tell their parents about what they learned.

Alyx

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uv beads are Wunderbar

May 16, 2012

As a teacher on an american military base, I have found that the UV beads are a wonderful insentive. Students love these beads and will do so much extra to get one or two.

DiAnna Martinez

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Excellent product

May 16, 2012

Love the color-changing beads - they are a great way to make learning about UV rays fun!

Patti Grammens

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these make great bracelets!

May 16, 2012

I did a summer science camp for a number of years, and these were always one of the highlights. Use a piece of rawhide for stringing. You can make them go farther by adding in some regular beads for decoration.

D Humphrey

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UV detection

May 11, 2012

We use these beads in experiments testing sunscreen protection from UV in sunlight. They work very well and everyone likes the activity.

Mort Sternheim

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UV Beads Really Work!

Apr 20, 2012

My kids are amazed by how these beads really do change into bright colors when they take them outside. Such fun!

Cinny L.

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NGSS

This product will support your students' understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*, as shown in the table below.

Elementary

Middle School

High School

1-PS4-2

Students can conduct investigations showing evidence of illumination from an external source such as the Sun.

1-PS4-4
Electromagnetic Radiation

Objects can be seen only when light is available to illuminate them.

MS-PS4-1

Students can conduct investigations showing evidence that the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in the wave.

MS-PS4-2

Students can use this tool to develop and use a model to describe how waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

HS-PS4-5

Students can use UV Beads to conduct investigations on how technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture energy.

HS-PS4-3

Students can use the UV Beads to evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described by a wave model.

HS-PS4-4

Students can explore the idea that different frequencies of light have different energies, and the damage to living tissue from electromagnetic radiation depends on the energy of the radiation.

Suggested Science Idea(s)

1-PS4-2

UV light detectors can be made with these beads. Worn as a bracelet or zip pull, the beads will help students develop awareness of where and when UV light is present.

PS4.B

Objects can be seen only when light is available to illuminate them.

MS-PS4-1

Students can conduct investigations outside with the Outside Detector and make correlations to the Electromagnetic Spectrum and the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.

MS-PS4-2

Students can use the beads to test different materials to see if the UV waves are being reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials. Colored beads indicate that waves are transmitted.

HS-PS4-5

Students can use these UV Beads in experiments to support mathematical representations of UV light versus white light.

* NGSS is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this product.

Q & A

Ultraviolet Detecting Beads

NGSS

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