What Is Ultraviolet Light, and Why Can't We See It?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is ultraviolet light, and why can't we see it?

The Big Idea

Ultraviolet light, or UV, has waves a little shorter than violet light! Our eyes cannot see it. But the Sun gives off a lot of it, and it can cause sunburn.

Shorter Waves

Step one: shorter waves. UV light sits just beyond violet in the rainbow. Its waves are a little too short for our eyes to see, so it looks like nothing to us.

Sun Power

Step two: the Sun. The Sun gives off a lot of UV light, and it can cause sunburn. Hats, shade, sunscreen, and clothing help protect us.

Who Sees UV

Step three: seeing UV. Bees and some birds can see UV light. We can detect it with special beads or cameras, even though we cannot see it ourselves.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! UV is just past violet. The Sun gives off lots of it. Hats, shade, and sunscreen protect us. Bees can see it, but we cannot.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! UV light makes some tiny beads and cards change color in the sunshine. UV can pass through clouds, so you can burn on cloudy days. Sunglasses with UV protection help shield eyes, but never look at the Sun. Ask a grown-up about sunscreen and shade for a safe day outside.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, put UV-sensitive craft beads outside in the sunshine. Watch them change color, but don't look at the Sun. Then move them into the shade or indoors. How long does it take for the color to change back?

Outro

UV light is invisible to us, but it can still affect our skin. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!