Introduction (word)

Curriculum content, lesson summaries, purpose, essential understandings, key concepts and mapping to Washington science education standards

Lesson One (word) – Beyond first impressions: Labels (ingredients, claims) – Regulations

Students begin their exploration of the science behind personal care products by answering questions about their favorite lotion or shampoo labels and ingredients and taking a fun true/false quiz about personal care product safety and regulations. The lesson introduces them to the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating cosmetic product safety and labeling. They explore the meaning behind common cosmetic claims. They see how FDA regulates drugs differently than cosmetics. 

Lesson Two (word) – What’s in it? Emulsion chemistry – Lotion preparation – Inquiry labs

The class will discuss basic lotion and shampoo ingredients and function. Students will complete a worksheet that emphasizes the chemical role of emulsifiers. In small groups, students will prepare a basic lotion following a flow chart. They learn how to design an inquiry research project that involves making changes to the basic lotion recipe and evaluating the results. They may be asked to design an FDA-approved label for their lotion. 

Lesson Three (word) – Is it safe? Basic Toxicology – Safety testing: MSDS’s and animal studies – Designing a human study

Students are asked to think about safety testing of cosmetic products. The principles of toxicology are introduced through demonstrations, slides and a dose-response worksheet. A review of Material Safety Data Sheets can initiate discussions about the use of animals and alternatives to animals in safety testing. Students will design a human panel test of their lotion incorporating the basics of a well designed study.

Lesson Four – The Informed Consumer

Students will appreciate the role of science in society – in policy decisions, marketing, and public advocacy. Four activities related to being an informed consumer can be presented together or incorporated separately within Lessons 1-3.

(4-I) Are my cosmetics dangerous? Two philosophies of risk management (word)

The complexities and controversies around risk management policies become apparent as students are introduced to US risk assessment practices and the Precautionary Principle through assigned readings. Cosmetic regulations in the US and Europe are compared. In small group and class discussions, student can weigh the safety issues and the safety evaluation process around three cosmetic ingredients. 

(4-II) What, and who, should you believe? Evaluating the science behind the advertising (word)

As a class, students will discuss the importance of sources of information and talk about the criteria for evaluating scientific papers. Individually, or in groups, students will identify information sources to refute or support the science behind statements in cosmetic product advertising. For homework, students will use the internet to find and evaluate information sources. 

(4-III) Speak Up! Consumer Advocacy (word)

Students become consumer advocates expressing their views on issues related to personal care product regulations, testing, environmental impact, and/or safety. They will research their topic, identify multiple viewpoints and justify their position in a well-composed letter or through presentations to their peers. Letters can be addressed to the FDA, FTC, cosmetic companies, legislators, newspapers or blog sites. 

(4-IV) Difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas (word)

Classroom discussions on difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas around cosmetic issues will make use of an ethical decision-making framework model. 

Lesson Extensions (word)

Related topics and activities for individuals or classes that extend topics introduced in the lessons. Listing of science careers involved in developing new cosmetics. 

Kit Loan Program (word)

Supplies and equipment for making lotion (a Lesson Two activity) are available from NWABR for a sliding fee based on number of users.  For more information contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwabr.org.