Sophomore Research Final

The Effect of Varying SPF Levels on UVB Intensity
Amber Agusti, Taylor Aleo, and Madison Scally
Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center
Honors Chemistry
Section 10B
Mrs.Hilliard, Mr. Supal, and Mrs. Dewey
24 May 2017
Agusti - Aleo - Scally 1
Table of Contents
Introduction.………………………………………………………………….……………..…..2
Review of Literature……………………………………………………………………...…….4
Problem Statement………………………………………………………...……………....….10
Experimental Design…...…………………………………………………………………......11
Data and Observations…………………………………………………...….…………...…..14
Data Analysis and Interpretation…………………………………………..……......….....…31
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….……………....….46
Appendix A: Index Card Construction…………………………………….…...……....…...50
Appendix B: UVB Box Construction………………………………………...………...…….52
Appendix C: LabQuest………………………………………………………………………..55
Appendix D: Two - Sample T-Test Calculations……...……....………………..….…..…..57
Appendix E: Research Charm…………………………………………………..…………...60
Works Cited………………………………………………………………………......…..…...61
Introduction
More people develop skin cancer from tanning than people who develop lung
cancer from smoking. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that a study in the UK found
that nearly 86% of melanomas can be attributed to UV exposure. The Skin Cancer
Foundation also reports that a person’s risk of melanoma doubles after he or she has
had five or more sunburns. To combat the effects of the UV exposure, the Skin Cancer
Foundation recommends that a person should apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 daily and
stay in the shade whenever possible; many people, however, ignore these statistics and
recommendations. The harmful UVB rays are almost always a threat, even on overcast
days. Studies have even shown that clouds reflect the radiation and can enhance it by
up to 25%. Knowing the harmful effects of UV radiation and how to effectively avert
them is very important.
The emphasis of this research was to advise the consumer on how to select the
proper sunscreen for themselves. There are many different types of SPF in the market,
and it can be challenging to make a decision with little information. This research project
was done to answer common questions posed by consumers. Sadly, during evaluation,
it was found that data could not be used to make certain conclusions.
The method of finding the difference in UVB intensity between the different SPF
factors that were used in this experiment was placing an index card with sunscreen on it
inside a UVB safe box with a UVB light bulb placed directly across from the card. The
UVB intensity was then collected using a UVB sensor probe placed directly behind the
card. Among the abundance of sunscreen users and non-users, the idea that any SPF
higher than SPF 30 is irrelevant when in use to protect the skin from UVB rays. With the
increase in SPF higher than 30, it was presumed that the protection level is equivalent
to the protection in the SPF 30 sunscreen.
The trials ran kept the card in the box for only two minutes. The results of the
experiment would be more valid if the card had remained in the box for an hour. This
assumption can be made using the definition of SPF, which shows the amount of times
longer someone can remain in the sun than they normally would without having to
reapply the sunscreen. The inaccuracy in the results was majorly because of this error,
and could have been prevented if the data was interpreted throughout the trials. This
problem could have been identified early and the experimental design could have been
modified.
Review of Literature
On a hot summer day, imagine heading to the beach wearing sunscreen and
feeling protected. What most people do not know is that not all sunscreen protects skin
from the harmful UV rays that come from the sun. Throughout the world today, more
and more people develop skin cancer and other diseases caused by extensive sun
exposure (“Center for Devices and Radiological Health”). This is due to the fact that
most people are not educated about how each SPF factor affects them. Becoming
educated on how the SPF factors and types of sunscreen affect the amount of UVB
rays that reach the skin can help people make good choices when choosing a
sunscreen.
One of the many important factors in nearly every sunscreen is the SPF or sun
protection factor. SPF represents the number of times longer a person can stay outside
without burning or having to reapply the sunscreen: a higher SPF value represents an
increased amount of time that one is protected against UVB rays (“Effects of UV
Radiation”). SPF only protects against UVB radiation, which is only one type of UV
radiation that is emitted by the sun. To receive the full effects of the SPF in the
sunscreen, one must apply at least two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter
(“Best Sunscreen”). SPF is determined by collecting a group of sun sensitive people,

by the SPF factor to find the maximum amount of time that the person can stay in the
sun while using the SPF sunscreen
Figure 3. Electromagnetic Spectrum
The figure above shows the electromagnetic spectrum, and it help put each
individual type of light in perspective with others. Ultra violet light (or UV light) is a type
of light emitted by the sun. UV light falls between x-rays, which are used to photograph
bones within the body, and purple visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. The UV
rays that are emitted by the sun are split into 3 categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA
penetrates deeply into the skin and reaches the dermis layer; UVA exposure can lead to
skin cancer and premature aging. UVB causes tanning and burning of the top layers of
the skin, and the ozone layer partially absorbs UVB. UVC is completely absorbed by
Earth’s atmosphere, so it does not reach the skin. A sunscreen that is not specified as a
broad spectrum sunscreen will only protect one from UVB rays, while a broad spectrum
sunscreen protects against UVA as well.
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. This experiment only
used chemical sunscreen, which is made of covalent bonds and works by absorbing the
UV rays. The molecules in the sunscreen absorb the UVB rays, as they do so the
components of the sunscreen start to breakdown and the energy from the UVB rays
give the molecules thermal motion and that energy is sent back as a harmless infrared
wave. Chemical sunscreen can contain Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate,
Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex, 4-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb
S and M, Uvinul T 150, and Uvinul A Plus. Most of the chemical sunscreens are broad
spectrum sunscreens, meaning that the filters in chemical sunscreen provide protection
against both UVA and UVB. Chemical sunscreens are normally thinner in formula than
physical sunscreen and are colorless.
Erythema, commonly known as sunburn, happens when the skin cells are
damaged from the UVB radiation. When a person is tanning, the UVB rays trigger the
melanocytes to produce melanin, which absorbs UVB radiation. This process takes
time, so after being exposed to the sunlight for a while the skin will still produce melanin
for a few more hours. Individuals with darker skin color have more melanin to protect
against UVB radiation and have a lower chance of developing skin cancer. Sunburn
occurs when there is cell damage from UVB radiation and the body responds by
sending excess blood to the capillaries in the dermis to heal the damage, which
accounts for the red color of the sunburn.
Figure 4. Skin Diagram
The figure shown above diagrams the epidermis layer of the skin where damage
from UVB exposure happens. The inflammation caused by the sunburn is what triggers
the cancerous cells to develop.
In addition to the previous information, papers and articles from past researchers
are being used to help conduct this experiment. The research paper, “The Effects of
Sunscreen a Brand, SPF Rating, and Sunscreen Type on the Penetration of UVB
Radiation” by Miranda Buchowski and Melissa Zuteck, focuses on the Effects stated
above. While their experiment has three factors, this experiment will only have two--SPF
rating and Sunscreen type. Both experiments are testing the penetration of the UVB
radiation that the Sunscreen is exposed to. Due to the differences in the effect values
that are being used between the two experiments, the trials will vary slightly. Based on
the example experiment having limited time and more factors to test, there most likely
weren't many trials run. In the case of the current experiment, running as many trials as
possible is the goal; furthermore, more trials will be able to be ran in class due to only
having to test two factors--not three. Although the experiments slightly differ, the two
share the main concept and scientific information. The major component that this
experiment is using from the example research paper is the experimental design.
Although the factors vary, the experimental design will be very beneficial to use due to
how and why it was done. The two experiments are applicable with each other because
they share the same common goal and design.
With this example research paper as an aid to help others with their project, the
cross-text between the two can also aware others with the results of the experiment and
the effects of importance of the sun.

Problem Statement
Problem:
The purpose of this experiment is to determine which sun protection factor (SPF)
will prevent the most UVB radiation from penetrating the skin.
Hypothesis:
If sunscreens that vary in SPF (15, 30, 70) are spread on plastic wrap under a
UVB light and set for two minutes, the SPF factor of 70 will allow the least amount of
UVB radiation pass through the wrap.
Data Measured:
To statistically analyze this experiment, a 2-sample t-test will be used. This
method uses a statistical test to compare the results from two populations. There will be
three tests conducted. In this case, the dependent variable will be the amount of UVB
radiation that will permeate the skin, which is simulated by the plastic wrap. These rays
will be measured in milliwatts per square meter (mW/m²) . Equally important, the
independent variables will be the varying SPF levels (15, 30, 70). When the experiment
is conducted, the brand of sunscreen that will be used is Coppertone Sport, which is a
chemical sunscreen.
Experimental Design
Materials:
Logger Pro 7 oz Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 70

UVB Sensor Probe 7 oz Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
150 4 X 6 Cut Index Cards 7 oz Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 15
12x12x24 Wooden UVB Box 50 W Repti Basking Spot Lamp
150 Coffee Filters Scale
Sharpie Marker 200 Popsicle Sticks
Procedure:
1. Measure 0.05 grams of SPF 15 sunscreen out on a coffee filter using a scale and
a clean popsicle stick.
2. Apply the measured SPF 15 sunscreen to the plastic wrap circle that covers the
hole in the card using the end of a new clean popsicle stick and spread it thinly
and evenly over the hole on the card. The sunscreen should appear nearly
transparent.
3. Label the card with the SPF factor, run number, and mass in grams to keep track
of it.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each run.
5. Connect the UVB sensor to the LabQuest and start a new file.
6. Place the sensor in the hole within in the wooden UVB box that is across from
the light.
7. Place one card in the paper clips that are connected to the bottom of the box so
that the sunscreen will be on the opposite side of the plastic than the sensor, this
is to make sure that no sunscreen gets on the sensor and skews the data.
8. Measure to the estimated center of the plastic hole, this distance should be 13
inches.
9. Place the top part of the box on the bottom so that the bottom fits perfectly within
the top part and there are no cracks.
10. Click the collect data button on the LabQuest.
12. Once the 2 minutes is up and data collection is over, look at the graph and take
the average reading from the most consistent part of the graph and fill it in on a
data table then save the data to a flash drive.
13. Remove the top part of the box and dispose of the index card.
14. Repeat steps 5 - 9 for each run.
Diagrams:
Figure 5. Materials
In Figure 5 above, the materials that are needed for the experiment are shown.
During the trials, the index cards, UVB lamp, sunscreen, plastic wrap, masking tape,
and the ring stand are used to conduct each trial. For the most part, the index cards,
tape, and the plastic wrap are used to hold the sunscreen in a place where it can be
identified and tested. The UVB probe is used to measure the amount of UVB rays that
are capable of passing through each type of sunscreen. The LabQuest and the Logger
Pro application help to analyze and organize the data that is read from the UVB probe.
Figure 6. Trial Layout
Above, Figure 6 shows the setup and layout of each trial of the experiment. The
labels on the index cards will vary based on the level of the factor. For instance, if the
SPF 15 is used, then the index card would have that indicated on it as well as the run
number and the mass of the sunscreen so it can be identified. This makes it easier for
the scientist or experimenter to visualize and understand the setup of each trial.
Table 2
SPF 15 UVB Intensity
UVB Intensity UVB Intensity
Trial Trial
(mW/m²) (mW/m²)
1 16.3194 20 15.9516
2 16.8290 21 15.9323
3 16.2161 22 16.0065
4 16.7613 23 15.9194
5 16.3419 24 15.6839
6 16.0839 25 15.7484
7 16.5452 26 15.7710
8 16.2774 27 15.9032
9 15.5484 28 15.9581
10 16.4226 29 15.8032
11 15.7097 30 15.8903
12 16.0677 31 15.0742
13 16.0419 32 15.9968
14 16.3129 33 15.9161
15 16.1419 34 15.8387
16 15.7258 35 16.0935
17 15.5387 36 16.2290
18 15.9742 37 16.2129
UVB Intensity UVB Intensity

Trial Trial
(mW/m²) (mW/m²)
19 15.9774 Average: 16.0207
Above, Table 2 displays the amount of UVB rays that were able to pass through
the SPF 15 sunscreen. The average measure of UVB rays that passed through the
index card was about 16.0153 mW/m².
Table 3
UVB Intensity
Trial Trial UVB Intensity (mW/m²)
(mW/m²)
1 15.7194 19 16.0323
2 16.1710 20 16.0323
3 16.4419 21 15.8387
4 16.5290 22 15.8935
5 16.8613 23 15.3032
6 16.7516 24 15.4839
7 16.2968 25 15.7000
8 15.6387 26 15.6226
9 16.3548 27 16.0645
10 16.0806 28 15.7355
11 16.0129 29 15.8000
UVB Intensity
(mW/m²)
12 16.4613 30 15.8226
13 16.1613 31 16.1935
14 16.6097 32 16.3065
15 16.3000 33 15.9548
16 15.7548 34 16.4774
17 15.6161 35 16.6290
18 15.6968 36 16.1548
19 16.0323 37 16.0290
20 16.0323 Average: 16.0684
Table 3 shows the different amounts of UVB rays that were able to pass through
the SPF 30 sunscreen. The average amount was 16.0684 mW/m².
Table 4
UVB Intensity
(mW/m²)
1 15.9871 20 16.0903
2 16.0000 21 15.9516
3 16.0197 22 15.8323
4 16.5742 23 15.3355
5 16.7548 24 15.2645
UVB Intensity
(mW/m²)
6 16.4581 25 15.5290
7 16.2806 26 15.8419
8 15.9065 27 15.6839
9 16.3290 28 15.7323
10 16.0839 29 15.7290
11 16.6516 30 15.9516
12 16.1677 31 15.9645
13 16.9323 32 16.6839
14 16.3387 33 16.0387
15 15.9355 34 16.1161
16 15.6581 35 16.2484
17 15.7516 36 16.6097
18 15.8226 37 16.3258
19 15.9000 Average: 16.0671
Table 4 displays the values of UVB rays that were sensed through the SPF 70
sunscreen by the UVB probe. On average, about 16.0671 mW/m² is the intensity of the
UVB rays.
Table 5
Average of Each Sample Population
Average UVB Intensity (mW/m²)
Control SPF 15 SPF 30 SPF 70
15.9814 16.0207 16.0684 16.0671
The table above shows the averages from each sample population side by side,
as can be seen, the data for the control and SPF 15 doesn’t make sense because it
says that the average UVB intensity is lowest without sunscreen, which is not correct
when applied in the real world. The issues that caused this discrepancy is further
explained in the conclusion section.
Table 6
Observations Made During No Sunscreen Control Runs
Trial Type Observations Day
No sunscreen used because it was a control; Light

1 Control 1
hasn’t been on for long
2 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 1
Ran during pretrials; No sunscreen used because it

3 Control 1
was a control
6 Control Sat out for a while before testing 1


9 Control 2
was a control

10 Control 2

11 Control 2

12 Control 2

16 Control 3
was a control

17 Control 3
was a control

18 Control 3
was a control

19 Control 3
was a control

20 Control 3
was a control

21 Control 3
wasn’t turned on long

22 Control 3

28 Control 4

35 Control 5
was a control

Table 6 shown above displays the observations made while running each control
in the experiment. Control cards did not have any sunscreen on them, thus making
them the most consistent in observations.
Table 7
Observations Made During SPF 15 Runs
Mass
(g)
1 SPF 15 Spread evenly 1 0.0531
2 SPF 15 Spread thin 1 0.0564
No sunscreen used because

3 SPF 15 1 0.0524
it was a control
Sat out for a while before

4 SPF 15 1 0.0543
testing

5 SPF 15 1 0.0599
it was a control

6 SPF 15 1 0.0516
it was a control
7 SPF 15 Light hasn’t been on for long 1 0.0525
8 SPF 15 Light hasn’t been on for long 1 0.0536
11 SPF 15 Chunky texture 2 0.053
13 SPF 15 Thin amount 2 0.0555

Mass
(g)
14 SPF 15 Ran during pretrials 2 0.0503
Didn’t spread as well; light

21 SPF 15 3 0.0572
22 SPF 15 Light wasn’t turned on long 3 0.0581
23 SPF 15 Chunkier texture 3 0.0587
25 SPF 15 Chunkier texture 4 0.0557
26 SPF 15 Spread unevenly 4 0.0519
Thinner layer
32 SPF 15 5 0.0598
Mass
(g)
Light has been on for a long

33 SPF 15 5 0.0565
time

34 SPF 15 5 0.0513
time

35 SPF 15 5 0.0559
time

36 SPF 15 5 0.0552
time
37 SPF 15 Light hasn’t been on long 5 0.0552
The table shown above showcases the observations made during the 37 runs of
the SPF 15 sunscreen. These observations also include the mass of the sunscreen that
was placed on the index ard during the trial. The mass of each run was measured to be
within 0.5000 and 0.6000 to keep the trials consistent. The massing is the same for all
of the other trials.
Table 8
Observations Made During SPF 30 Runs
Mass
(g)
2 SPF 30 Thick layer 1 0.0504

Mass
(g)
Sat out for a while before

7 SPF 30 1 0.0537
testing
8 SPF 30 Thick layer 2 0.0546
12 SPF 30 Smooth texture 2 0.055
14 SPF 30 Sat out before testing 2 0.0594
20 SPF 30 Thicker sunscreen texture 3 0.0555

Mass
(g)
24 SPF 30 Spread thinner 4 0.0552
26 SPF 30 Sat out longer before tested 4 0.0543
32 SPF 30 Spread thin 5 0.0591

34 SPF 30 5 0.0555
time

Mass
(g)
21 SPF 70 Smooth texture 4 0.0553

Mass
(g)
31 SPF 70 Thicker texture 5 0.0543

34 SPF 70 5 0.0513
time

35 SPF 70 5 0.0538
time
Took out probe too early;

37 SPF 70 5 0.0581
Light hasn’t been on long
Table 9 displays the observations for the trials that used the SPF 70 sunscreen.
The masses on the far right represent the mass of sunscreen that was used for each
trial, which was between 0.0500 and 0.0600 grams as previously stated. Notes,
observations, and sightings are listed in the table also.

Data Analysis and Interpretation
Three aspects of this experiment that make it reliable include, first, the use of a
control. The control results will be consulted in comparison to the results for SPF trials.
They simulate the subject not wearing any sunscreen. Thus, the results of the control
runs were expected to show higher UVB intensity than the other trials. Also, the
significant amount of repetition factors into reliability. With more than 30 runs of four
populations being looked at, similar results within each population show the experiment
works properly each time. Additionally, the randomization done using TI-Nspire CX
calculator assures that one trial does not continuously have one factor over another
being time, heat, etc. The part being randomized was whichever trial would be done at
what time. As the sun-simulating light is running continuously and heat may have
accumulated, which could have changed results if the trials were done in the same
order each time.
In order to analyze this experiment, a 2-sample t-test is used. This particular
method of analysis is appropriate for this research because each test is comparing two
individual populations, which is what this research mainly constitutes as it is comparing
each of the SPFs, 15, 30, and 70, and the control, to see which one differs in its abilities
to protect against UVB intensity.

The figure exhibited above displays the null and alternative hypotheses for the
two-sample t-test of SPF 15 against SPF 30. A two-sample t-test can be used to
compare SPF 15 and SPF 30 because they agree with the assumptions and conditions
of a two-sample t-test: SPF 15 and SPF 30 are from two distinct populations, n, the
number of samples, is greater than 30 and the central limit theorem states that when n
is larger than 30, the sample distribution of the sample mean is close to normal
distribution, and N, the total amount of Coppertone SPF 15/30 sunscreen, is greater
than n, the samples taken in this experiment. If the two-sample t-test confirms the null
hypothesis, then the results would report that there was not a significant difference
between the SPF 15 and SPF 30 sunscreen. However, if the null hypothesis is rejected
that will mean that there was a statistically significant difference between the SPF 15
and SPF 30 sunscreen according to this data.

Figure 12. Calculations for SPF 15 v.s. SPF 30
Above, Figure 12 exhibits the data that was found when conducting the two
sample t-test between the SPF 15 and SPF 30 sunscreen. With the t-value of -0.5785, it
is evident that the x₂ is 0.5785 standard deviations to the left of x₁. Due to the t-value
being so small, it was not found on Table C; therefore, the p-value of 0.7176 had to be
calculated with the TI-nspire.

Figure 16. P-Graph for SPF 30 v.s. SPF 70
The figure above shows that p-graph for the two-sample t-test of SPF 30 and
SPF 70. This graph shows the chance that when the experiment is replicated that the
same p-value will be generated based on chance alone in the shaded area of the graph.
This p-graph in comparison to the other p-graphs for SPF 15 v.s. SPF 30 and SPF 15
v.s. SPF 70 shows the lowest chance that this p-value can be achieved by chance alone
if the experiment is repeated; however, the shaded region is very large.
Overall, the null hypothesis was failed to be rejected because the p-value,
0.4937, was larger than the alpha level of 0.0500. Because of the t-test, there is no
evidence that states that SPF 30 sunscreen has more UVB intensity than SPF 70
sunscreen. When the null hypothesis is true, the recreation of this experiment would
sunscreen. If this experiment was redone, and the null hypothesis is true, there is about
a 71% chance that the sample means would be the same.
According to the data that was analyzed, there was no statistically significant
evidence that any of the sunscreens had a difference in the UVB intensity that went
through it. All the tests reported more than a 49% chance that these results happened
by chance alone. With the results of the two sample t-tests being this high, there is not
enough statistical significance to prove that these results would happen again if the
experiment was to be repeated. The bottom line is that the analysis showed the differing
SPFs did not show a considerable change in UVB intensity.

would have been a higher amount of UVB radiation that was able to pass through the
control run cards, rather than the SPF 70 sunscreen.
The results do not agree with the science previously researched; however, this is
likely due to the length of the experiment and each individual trial. The review of
literature section explains what SPF is: the amount of time that one can stay protected
for in the sun. SPF 15, for example, should keep one protected for 15 times longer
than no sunscreen. It is very likely that the reason that the results do not agree with
previous science is that the trials were too short to show the amount of time that each
SPF protected for.
The design of the experiment contributed to the majority of the problems involved
in this experiment and the rejection of the hypothesis. The length of the individual trials
and the time frame for total trials allowed was the greatest complication in the design.
Each trial card sat in the UVB light for 2 minutes, and in order to achieve normality
according to the central limit theorem, there were 30 trials that were run for each SPF
factor as well as 30 control runs. To accomplish this, researchers need at least 240
minutes to have the cards in the UVB light, excluding the time needed to set up and
clean up the experiment. When the experiment was run during pre-trials, it should have
been noticed that these results were too similar to one another, and the experimental
design should have been redone; however, this is not the case. If this experiment were
to repeated, it is suggested that the researchers allow longer time for each trial, about
30 minutes in the UVB light for each trial, and more time to make more accurate
measurements of sunscreen. The use of the UVB box in this experiment helped to
prevent other sources of UVB light from disturbing the experiment and removed other
“noise” factors.
From the beginning of this experiment, this group encountered several
complications. In pre-trials, the first problem was time. During the first three days of
pre-trials, researchers were only able to complete 10 or so out of the 90 trials. To
combat this, the team began to run the samples down from the weighing stations to the
box where the trials were being conducted instead of walking. Another problem that
arose was that there were countless opportunities for human error, including measuring
of the height of the card in the box that could be slightly different throughout the trials
and allowing certain cards to exposed to more UVB radiation than others; the spreading
of the sunscreen, which was never exactly the same and making for uneven protection
coverage on each card; the proximity of the probe to the UVB light bulb was slightly
different each time that it was taken out of the box and replaced, this changes the
results because the UVB intensity is higher closer to the light bulb; and the massing of
Appendix A: Index Card Construction
Materials:
120 4 X 6 Index Cards Plastic Wrap

Tape Quarter
Scissors Pencil
Procedure:
1. Lay out an index card and place a quarter in the center of the card with the pencil
2. Use a craft knife to cut the traced circle out of the index card
3. Cut a 2 square inch piece of plastic wrap from the roll and apply it to the blank side
of the index card, taping the corners down with masking tape
4. Repeat steps 1 - 3 for each of the 150 cards used in the experiment
Diagram:
Figure 20. Index Card
Figure 20 above shows the index cards that were used in the experiment,
sunscreen applied would be spread only on the plastic circle on the striped side. The
sunscreen information was also written on the striped side before placing in the box to
keep track of each sunscreen. The other materials that were used are also pictured,
besides the pencil which is not pictured.

Appendix B: UVB Box Construction
Materials:
Makita LXT Drill 1in Drill Bit

(2) ¾ in screws Bostik Glide Coat
Philips Head Screw Driver Senco SLP 20 Nail Gun
Dynablade Sander/Positioner Irwin 16’ Measuring Tape
Makita Drill 4in Pony Clamp
3
¾ in Brad Nails ⁄16 in Twist Drill Bit
(4) 11 ⅝ x 24 in ⅜ in Particle Board Project Source Matte Black Spray Paint
10 3 ⁄16 x 10 3 ⁄16 in ⅜ in Particle Board IPG ½ in Masking Tape
(4) 10 ¾ x 7 in ⅜ in Particle Board Glue Gun
12 x 12 in ⅜ in Particle Board Superbonder All Purpose Glue Stick
11 ⅛ x 11 ⅛ in ⅜ in Particle Board HFT Electrical Tape
Franklin Titebond Wood Glue Delta Unisaw Tablesaw
MT Claw Hammer ¾ in Hole Saw
Lowes Lamp Kit (2) 12 in Square Dowels
Procedure:
1. Glue two 11 ⅝ x 24 in ⅜ in particle board pieces together and apply three nails
with a nail gun
2. Repeat step 1 with the two remaining 11 ⅝ x 24 in ⅜ in particle boards
3. Apply glue to the 24 in edges of the two pieces, clamp them together, and apply
six nails with the nail gun
4. Apply glue on the top edge of all four parts of the clamped sides of the box
5. Place the glued edges of the box on top of the 12 x 12 in ⅜ in particle board
6. Remove the clamp from the sides and clamp the top on
7. Attach 4 nails to the top of the box using the nail gun
22. Drill a hole using a ¾ in drill bit in the opposite side of the 24 in tall box 13 in from
the bottom
23. Apply electrical tape around the outside of the light kit
24. Screw in lightbulb
25. Draw an x on the side across from the applied square dowel sticks of the shorter
box
Diagram:
Figure 21. UVB Box
The figure above shows the UVB box with and without the top on. This box was
used to keep outside variable like other sources of UVB radiation out of the experiment.
The X drawn on the box indicates the side that the light bulb should be on when the top
goes on.
Appendix C: LabQuest
Materials:
LoggerPro Electrical Tape

Stylist UVB Probe
Flash drive
Procedure:
1. Turn on the LabQuest with the “power” button and start a new file
2. Plug in the UVB probe and a flash drive into the top of the LabQuest
3. Wrap electrical tape around the probe 3 in from where the cord starts until the probe
fits tightly into the hole of the UVB box
4. Press the “play” button with the stylist to start the trial
5. The LabQuest will automatically stop recording the data from the probe after 120
seconds
6. With the stylist, click the “save” icon to continue to the next trial
7. Repeat steps 3-5 until all of the trials are complete
8. Click on “file”, then “save as”, name the file as that day's date, and then save to a
flash drive
9. Remove the flash drive and UVB prove from the LabQuest
10. Press the “power” button to turn off the LabQuest

Diagram:
Figure 22. LabQuest Set Up
Figure 22 above, shows all the materials used, with the exception of the flash
drive that data was kept on. The probe pictured already has the electrical tape wrapped
around it to help it fit in the UVB box.

Appendix D: Two - Sample T - Test Calculations
To find the t-value, which determines whether the SPF of sunscreen that is being
tested made a difference that matters, one must use a two - sample t - test. The
equation needed is shown below.
Figure 23.Sample T-Value Calculation for SPF 15 v.s. SPF 30
Above, Figure 23 displays the formula for how to find the t-value between the
SPF 15 and SPF 30. Using the averages (x); standard deviations (s); and the sample
sizes (n), the second equation shows the substitution that took place into the original
formula. The t-value that was found was -0.5785, which means that the x₂ is 0.5785
standard deviations to the negative end of the x₁ mean. As an additional note, the
standard deviation of the sampling distribution is found using the denominator. The
standard deviation of the experiment is the measure of how spread out the numbers are
from the sample mean.

A two - sample t - test also needs to be used in finding the importance of using
SPF 30 and SPF 70 sunscreen. This equation is shown below.
Figure 24. T Calculation for SPF 30 v.s. SPF 70
The figure above shows how “t” was found in the two-sample t-test of SPF 30
against SPF 70. The first equation shows the variables needed to conduct the test: x,
the sample mean, s, the sample distribution, and n, the sample size. These values were
found by first entering the averages from the data tables in the data and observations
section into the Ti - Nspire calculator in a spreadsheet page for both SPF 30 and SPF
70 and then entering a one-variable calculation based on those sets of data. The
denominator of the formula calculates the standard deviation of the two sample t-test.
The same test that was needed to determine if SPF 30 made a difference when
comparing it to SPF 70 is needed to determine if SPF 15 made a difference in
comparison to SPF 70. This test is shown below.

Figure 25. Calculation of T-Value for SPF 15 v.s. SPF 70
The preceding figure shows how to calculate the t-value for the two-sample t-test
on SPF 15 and SPF 70. The first equation includes x, the sample mean, s, the sample
standard deviation, and n, the sample size. These variables were then substituted with
the values that were calculated on the Ti - Nspire using the one variable statistics option
in the Data Analysis and Interpretation section. The denominator of the equation for the
two-sample t-test represents the standard deviation of the data.

Sophomore Research Final

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Sophomore Research Final

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

The Effect of Varying SPF Levels on UVB Intensity

Amber Agusti, Taylor Aleo, and Madison Scally

Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center

Mrs.Hilliard, Mr. Supal, and Mrs. Dewey

Data and Observations…………………………………………………...….…………...…..14

Data Analysis and Interpretation…………………………………………..……......….....…31

Appendix A: Index Card Construction…………………………………….…...……....…...50

Appendix B: UVB Box Construction………………………………………...………...…….52

Appendix D: Two - Sample T-Test Calculations……...……....………………..….…..…..57

Appendix E: Research Charm…………………………………………………..…………...60

them is very important.

to the protection in the SPF 30 sunscreen.

(“Best Sunscreen”). SPF is determined by collecting a group of sun sensitive people,

sun while using the SPF sunscreen

Figure 3. Electromagnetic Spectrum

sunscreen protects against UVA as well.

wave. Chemical sunscreen can contain Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate,

Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex, 4-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb

physical sunscreen and are colorless.

accounts for the red color of the sunburn.

Figure 4. Skin Diagram

the cancerous cells to develop.

they share the same common goal and design.

the effects of importance of the sun.

UVB radiation pass through the wrap.

To statistically analyze this experiment, a 2-sample t-test will be used. This

Logger Pro 7 oz Coppertone Sport Sunscreen SPF 70

a clean popsicle stick.

4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each run.

the top part and there are no cracks.

10. Click the collect data button on the LabQuest.

data table then save the data to a flash drive.

14. Repeat steps 5 - 9 for each run.

Figure 6. Trial Layout

UVB Intensity UVB Intensity

19 15.9774 Average: 16.0207

index card was about 16.0153 mW/m².

20 16.0323 Average: 16.0684

the SPF 30 sunscreen. The average amount was 16.0684 mW/m².

19 15.9000 Average: 16.0671

Control SPF 15 SPF 30 SPF 70

15.9814 16.0207 16.0684 16.0671

explained in the conclusion section.

Trial Type Observations Day

No sunscreen used because it was a control; Light

2 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 1

Ran during pretrials; No sunscreen used because it

4 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 1

5 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 1

6 Control Sat out for a while before testing 1

7 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 1

Trial Type Observations Day

8 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 1

Ran during pretrials; No sunscreen used because it

No sunscreen used because it was a control; Light

No sunscreen used because it was a control; Light

No sunscreen used because it was a control; Light

13 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 2

14 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 2

15 Control No sunscreen used because it was a control 2

Ran during pretrials; No sunscreen used because it

Ran during pretrials; No sunscreen used because it

Ran during pretrials; No sunscreen used because it