Consumer Awareness

CONSUMER AWareness overview

Exploring personal care products is an engaging method of teaching students about

  • the purpose of chemicals found in personal care products
  • the many kinds of scientists involved in this industry
  • how to read labels on personal care products
  • how to analyze claims made by manufacturers
  • how animals are involved in safety testing of these products
  • ethical considerations in the development, manufacture and marketing of personal care products

Upload a poster depicting the science and approach of the Consumer Awareness Curriculum.

A lotion kit loan program for trained teachers and a lotion-making workshop for the community are available through the Science and Math Institute (SAMI) at Bellevue College.  The kit loan program and the workshop were originally developed and delivered by NWABR.

Lessons

This four lesson curriculum engages middle and high school students in an investigation of personal care products. Being an informed consumer requires critical evaluation skills and a basic understanding of science and regulations. Evaluating personal care products incorporates multiple aspects of:

  • Science (biology, chemistry, toxicology, math)
  • Research (drug development process, experimental design, evaluating sources of information)
  • Ethics (safety testing on animals and humans)
  • Social responsibility (risk assessment and safety policies, consumer advocacy)

 

    Complete Lesson Plans
  • Lesson One (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_1.doc

    Description: This is the description for lesson one.

  • Lesson Two (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_2.doc
  • Lesson Three (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_3.doc
  • (4-I) Are my cosmetics dangerous? Two philosophies of risk management (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_4_I.doc
  • (4-II) What, and who, should you believe? Evaluating the science behind the advertising (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_4_II.doc
  • (4-III) Speak Up! Consumer Advocacy (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_4_III.doc
  • (4-IV) Difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas (word) Microsoft Office document icon Lesson_4_IV.doc
Resources

 

CONSUMER AWARENESS RESOURCES

A lotion kit loan program for trained teachers and a lotion-making workshop for the community are available through the Science and Math Institute (SAMI) at Bellevue College.  The kit loan program and the workshop were originally developed and delivered by NWABR.

KIT LOAN PROGRAM

Teachers who have received professional development training for the Consumer Awareness curriculum are invited to participate in the lotion kit loan program.  The 3-tub “kit” with equipment for 8 lab stations (that can accommodate up to 32 students at one time) and sufficient supplies (lotion ingredients and containers) can be reserved for up to two weeks.  Teachers are responsible for picking up and returning the kit to Bellevue College.

LOTION-MAKING WORKSHOP

Schedule a fun, informative lotion-making workshop for class, science club or afterschool activity for middle or high school students, or for adult organizations! Explore labels, analyze claims, learn some basic chemistry and make a lotion with fragrances of your choice!

  • The workshop will be presented by a trained volunteer from Bellevue College.
  • Bellevue College will provide the equipment and supplies for up to 32 workshop participants.
  • The workshop can be scheduled for 1.5 or 2 hours at your location within the greater Seattle area. There are some facility requirements (table space and electrical outlets).
  • A fee may apply, depending on the number of participants.

For more information about these programs, their fees and scheduling,please contact Jenn Pang, PhD, Director of SAMI, at jennifer.pang@bellevuecollege.edu.

LESSON 2

Chemistry of Soap Lab

 

LESSON 3

Material Safety Data Sheets (pdf)
MSDS Borax
MSDS Citric Acid
MSDS Methyl Paraben
MSDS Mineral Oil
MSDS Polyethylene Glycol
MSDS Propylene Glycol
MSDS Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
MSDS Triethanolamine
MSDS Cetosearyl Alcohols 
MSDS Cocamidopropyl Betaine
MSDS Dimethicone

A list of online MSDS Resources is available under the links tab! Additional 'Resources' are available for each lesson within the actual word document.  
This tab will continue to be updated, but until then please utilize the resources within each lesson!

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