Solar ultraviolet radiation: didactic prototype and investigations in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) is a part of our daily exposure, particularly when we are in the sun. Depending on the conditions of UV ray exposure, it can lead to health issues such as premature aging, burns, changes in skin pigmentation, and, notably, skin cancer. These risks are heightened by the increasingly high UV Index levels that can be observed in many parts of the world, along with the increasing global average temperature and heatwaves affecting several countries. Thus, this article presents a proposal of an experimental and investigative nature concerning the use of a didactic prototype for measuring UV levels. The prototype was developed based on the ESP32 Development Board and ML8511 sensor. The teaching proposal was implemented by a collaborating teacher who integrated it into their regular high school physics classes at a public school in the Northeast of Brazil. In summary, this proposal enabled students to analyze which objects and situations offer varying levels of protection against UV radiation within their school and community environments. The students observed that even shaded or indirectly illuminated areas (via reflection from surfaces) showed detectable UV levels, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance to improve protection against solar irradiation.