ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 2 Why Is Our Skin Different Colors? | ???? Kids Book Read Aloud | Circle Time with Khan Academy Kids
Welcome, young learners! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic about diversity and understanding the differences in our skin colors. Join us as we explore this concept through a delightful story shared by Naomi O’Brien, an author featured on Khan Academy Kids’ Circle Time.
In our story, we meet two friends, Priya and Esther, who are spending a sunny day in Esther’s backyard. As they draw pictures of each other, a curious conversation unfolds. Esther notices that Priya has used a color for her skin that doesn’t quite match her own. This observation sparks a discussion about why their skin colors are different.
Esther, having recently learned about skin color at the doctor’s office, shares her newfound knowledge with Priya. She explains that the difference in their skin colors is due to something called melanin. Melanin is a tiny, invisible substance found in everyone’s skin. The amount of melanin determines how light or dark a person’s skin is. More melanin results in darker skin, while less melanin leads to lighter skin.
Curious about why people have different amounts of melanin, Priya learns from Esther that skin color is inherited from family members and ancestors. Additionally, melanin plays a crucial role in protecting our skin from the sun’s rays. However, Esther’s mom reminds her that everyone, regardless of skin color, should wear sunscreen for extra protection.
Esther further enlightens Priya by revealing that melanin is not exclusive to humans. Animals, too, have melanin, which gives zebras their stripes and lions their golden fur. This discovery adds another layer of wonder to their understanding of the natural world.
Inspired by their conversation, Priya decides to adjust her drawing to better reflect Esther’s skin color. Esther offers her a crayon that she uses to draw herself, and the friends exchange their completed pictures with joy and appreciation.
This story not only teaches us about the science behind skin color but also celebrates the beauty of diversity. Understanding and appreciating our differences is an essential part of building friendships and communities. If you enjoyed this story, explore more books like it on the Khan Academy Kids app, where you can continue learning and having fun.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery. Until next time, keep exploring and celebrating the wonderful diversity around you!
Color Matching Activity: Gather a variety of crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Ask the children to find the color that best matches their own skin tone. Encourage them to draw a self-portrait using this color. Discuss how everyone’s skin tone is unique and beautiful, just like in the story of Priya and Esther.
Melanin Experiment: Conduct a simple experiment to demonstrate the protective role of melanin. Use two sheets of construction paper, one light-colored and one dark-colored. Place them in direct sunlight for a few hours. Observe and discuss how the darker paper absorbs more light and heat, similar to how melanin protects our skin from the sun.
Animal Melanin Exploration: Ask the children to think of their favorite animals and research how melanin affects their appearance. For example, why do zebras have stripes or why are some cats black? Have them draw their favorite animal and share what they learned about melanin in animals.
