SKU: UVB250 (250 Pack – assorted colors)
UV Color-Changing Beads From Steve Spangler Science
Learn about the presence of ultraviolet light with amazing UV Color-Changing Beads from Steve Spangler Science. Just because we can’t see ultraviolet rays doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. With our special UV beads, kids will learn that ultraviolet rays are indeed present, even on cloudy and overcast days. Our special UV-sensitive beads are a fantastic activity for older elementary children, and they’re guaranteed fun for kids and adults alike.
UV Beads + You = Hours of Colorful Fun
With our UV detector beads, you can string together bracelets or necklaces with the white beads. When you step outside, the ultraviolet-sensitive pigment will change the beads’ color from white to an assortment of orange, purple, red and yellow. Our UV detector beads are so sensitive that they will detect the presence of UV rays, even on a cloudy day. Your budding young scientist will learn that UV light is all around them, even when they can’t see it. Bring the color-changing beads inside, and they will revert back to white once they are no longer exposed to UV rays. These solar beads will change over and over again without fading and will make for unforgettable arts and crafts projects.
The Science Behind Our UV-Sensitive Beads
Ultraviolet (UV) light is the invisible radiation that will give you a sunburn and injure your eyes if you’re not careful. UV Color-Changing Beads harness the power of ultraviolet rays to change colors right before your eyes. Use the UV beads to teach kids about ultraviolet radiation and begin a discussion about the care that needs to be taken to prevent skin damage caused by the sun.
Choose UV Beads for Your Science Fair Project
To turn the UV beads into a science fair project, you have to change something (identify a variable), run some tests and make comparisons. For one UV bead test variable, you could find several different types of medicine bottles and test to see which bottle is the most effective in blocking the color-changing beads from the damaging UV rays. Another UV bead test variable idea is to examine the UV-blocking powers of different sunglasses. As a final test idea, you can test different sunscreens by placing the color-changing beads in a zipper-lock bag and covering the bag with sunscreen.
Remember that you have to keep all other factors the same. Use the same light sources and the same number of color-changing beads. There are many other ways to use these UV beads for a science fair project. We have written up a sample science fair experiment called Revealing UV with Color-Changing Beads, which walks you through this project step-by-step. If you are interested in a simple, straightforward and quick science fair project, be sure to check it out. The experiment is a great way to explore our UV color-changing beads, as well as learn how to follow the scientific method with controlled variables. When running these UV bead experiments, don’t forget to document your discoveries!
Easy Experiments With Steve Spangler Science
Don’t miss our collection of exclusive online experiments that bring the signature Steve Spangler Science wow factor to your classroom, home or STEM club. We’ve dedicated ourselves to providing fun, hands-on and exciting experiments that will make STEM subjects accessible to kids of all ages. Don’t miss our other all-in-one science kits.
Essential for Teaching the Science of the Sun
UV Color-Changing Beads are the perfect tool for testing sunscreen and sunglasses or creating beautiful works of art using the science of the sun. It’s no surprise that these color-changing beads are hugely popular with both science teachers and summer camp leaders — there is just nothing like them.
How Many Bracelets Will the 1000-Pack Make?
In general, a good bracelet requires at least 12-15 beads, which means you can make about 65-85 bracelets with the pack of 1,000 UV detector beads.
Do the UV Beads Fade Over Time?
Like any scientist would, we tested it. After we left the UV beads out for the entire day and brought them inside, they returned to white. What about a longer amount of time? No problem. Over time, the color-changing beads will still change into bright colors when exposed to sunlight and return to white indoors. Even if you’ve had them for a while, they work fast and are just as fun as the first experiment.
How do color-changing beads work?
Our color-changing beads are UV-sensitive, and when exposed to sunlight, they will turn from white into a spectrum of different colors. When returned indoors or kept away from UV light, color-changing beads will return to white.
How do you use solar beads?
Once you order your package of UV-sensitive solar beads, string them into a necklace, bracelet or however you want to display them. Then, just go outside! The solar beads should change colors right before your eyes!
What are the dimensions of a UV bead?
Each UV bead is approximately 6mm x 9mm and the hole size is approximately 4mm.
How long do the UV beads last?
We still have some of the original batch from a couple of years ago that are still going strong. Suffice to say, UV beads will last a long time!
Can you put sunscreen on UV beads?
Putting sunscreen on individual UV beads can be extremely messy. In one of our science experiments mentioned above, we detail how you can place UV beads into different bags and coat the bags in sunscreen. This is a quicker and cleaner way to run the same science experiment with color-changing beads.
Are the colors in the assorted packs packaged separately?
No, the colors you get are mixed together with red, orange, yellow and purple!
Safety Information
Toll Free: 800-223-9080
Monday – Friday
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Steve Spangler Science
5 Research Drive, Suite 150
Shelton, CT 06484
[email protected]
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