In this laugh-out-loud episode of The Curious Kidcast, host Andy explores the surprising world of animal sunburns! Kids will discover which animals can get sunburnt, how different creatures protect themselves from the sun, and learn some amazing animal sun facts that will blow their minds.

What You'll Learn

• Why many animals like pigs, horses, and even dolphins can get sunburnt
• The clever ways animals protect themselves from the sun
• How hippos produce their own natural sunscreen
• Why even polar animals need sun protection
• How humans can stay safe in the sun by learning from animals

Fun Facts from This Episode

• Pigs roll in mud as a natural sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin
• Hippos produce special red sweat that acts like sunblock
• Even whales and dolphins can get sunburnt when swimming near the surface
• Elephants throw dust on themselves as a natural sun shield
• Polar bears have black skin under their white fur to help protect from sunburn

Quiz Questions

Test your knowledge with these fun questions from the episode:

1. Which animal produces red sweat that acts as natural sunscreen?
2. Can whales and dolphins get sunburnt while swimming?
3. What do pigs use as natural sunscreen?

(Find the answers by listening to the episode!)

Vocabulary Words

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays - Invisible rays from the sun that can damage skin
• Melanin - A natural chemical in skin that helps protect against UV rays
• Nocturnal - Animals that are active during the night
• Crepuscular - Animals that are active at dawn and dusk

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think different animals have different ways of protecting themselves from the sun?
• What animal's sun protection method do you think is the most interesting?
• How are human sun protection methods similar to or different from animals?
• If you could design sun protection for any animal, which animal would you choose and what would you create?

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• Email your questions to: questions@curiouskidcast.com
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New episodes of The Curious Kidcast are released every Wednesday!