What Is the Ozone Layer? — For Kids

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What Is the Ozone Layer? — Elementary

The short answer

The stratosphere is where you will find the ozone layer.

The ozone layer is very important.

What it does

The ozone layer helps protect us.

It protects us from ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Ultraviolet radiation is also called UV.

The ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation the sun sends to us.

Absorb means to soak up.

Why it matters

Life as we know it would not be possible without this layer of protection.

Words to know

Ozone layer
The very important layer you find in the stratosphere. It helps protect us from ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Stratosphere
The place where you will find the ozone layer.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV)
Radiation from the sun. The ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation the sun sends to us.
Absorb
To soak up. The ozone layer absorbs most of the UV radiation.
Protect
To help keep us safe. The ozone layer helps protect us.

Sources

This page was built only from the ozone passage in this source, read in full:

NASA Space Place — “Stratosphere” — https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/stratosphere/en/

Read in full on November 2, 2026.

This page is short on purpose. It sticks to one short official passage about ozone, and it does not add outside facts. That is why there is not more on this page.