Testing the Effectiveness of Copper Tone and Meijer Brand Sunscreen on Blocking UVA Rays
In this experiment a name brand broad spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, Copper Tone, and a store brand broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, Meijer brand, were compared on their effectiveness in blocking UVA rays. The purpose was to determine if there was really a difference between a name brand and a store brand sunscreen, and if the more expensive name brand was more effective. Consumers need to be able to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UVA rays and this experiment can help them do so in a cost effective way while still giving them the best protection. In order to test this, a simulation was set up. This simulation consisted of a full spectrum UV light bulb, a UV sensor, sunscreen, and laminated index cards with holes. Sunscreen was spread over a laminated index card with a hole in the center. The card was then placed above a UV light bulb. The sensor was placed above the card to record the data. A control was used by taking the initial reading of a card with no sunscreen. The difference between the initial (control) and the trial with the sunscreen on the card was recorded for 30 trials. All the data was measured in mW/m2 . A two-sample t test was run using the means of the data. From the t test, a p-value of 0.039416 was calculated. This led to the conclusion that there was in fact a significant difference between the two sunscreens on blocking UVA rays. The Copper Tone sunscreen had a higher average difference between the two sunscreens making it better at blocking the UVA rays. This supported the original hypothesis that the Copper Tone sunscreen would be better at blocking the UVA rays than the Meijer sunscreen.
Research Conducted By:
Jillian Kaptur
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools