Lesson Plan
Sleep Study Framework
Students will investigate personal sleep hygiene by tracking sleep patterns, analyzing collected data, and designing actionable proposals to improve rest quality.
This lesson empowers 9th graders to apply scientific inquiry and data analysis skills to real-life health challenges, fostering self-awareness and promoting wellness habits.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
2 sessions, 140 minutes each
Approach
Hands-on tracking, data analysis, and collaborative proposal development.
Prep
Prepare Materials & Tech
15 minutes
- Review The Science of Sleep slide deck and familiarize yourself with key concepts.
- Download and adapt the Sleep Log Tracker for student distribution.
- Preview the Sleep Improvement Proposal outline to guide student drafting.
- Ensure the Proposal Scoring Guide rubric aligns with proposal criteria.
- Set up any required digital platforms (e.g., Google Docs) for group collaboration.
Step 1
Session 1: Introduction & Data Collection
140 minutes
- Present sleep hygiene fundamentals with The Science of Sleep.
- Demonstrate how to complete the Sleep Log Tracker; explain categories (bedtime, wake time, sleep quality).
- Distribute trackers; students record the previous night’s data and begin tracking for a 5-night period as homework.
- Facilitate group discussion on tracking challenges and initial observations.
- Assign homework: continue logging sleep and note influencing factors (e.g., screen time, routine).
Step 2
Session 2: Data Analysis & Proposal Writing
140 minutes
- Students compile sleep log data into group charts or digital visualizations.
- Guide teams in analyzing trends: average duration, consistency, and sleep quality.
- Introduce the structure of the Sleep Improvement Proposal.
- Groups draft actionable improvement plans targeting identified issues; include rationale, methods, and expected outcomes.
- Conduct peer review using the Proposal Scoring Guide; groups exchange drafts and score proposals.
- Finalize proposals based on feedback; groups present to the class and set personal implementation goals.
Slide Deck
The Science of Sleep
Explore the biology of sleep, its stages, and the factors that shape our nightly rest.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s focus: understanding why sleep matters and how science helps us improve rest.
What Is Sleep?
• A naturally recurring state of reduced consciousness
• Critical for physical repair and cognitive function
• Regulated by circadian rhythms and homeostatic sleep drive
Explain the definition and basic functions of sleep: restoration, memory consolidation, and energy conservation.
How Sleep Is Regulated
• Circadian Rhythm: 24-hour cycle influenced by light/dark cues
• Sleep Drive: Builds the longer you stay awake
• Key Hormone: Melatonin release in dim light
Use a diagram of the brain to point out key regions (hypothalamus, pineal gland) that regulate sleep.
Sleep Stages
- Stage 1 (Light Sleep) – drift off, slow eye movement
- Stage 2 – deeper sleep, heart rate slows, temperature drops
- Stage 3 (Deep Sleep) – restorative, immune support
- REM (Rapid Eye Movement) – dreaming, memory processing
Walk through each stage: have students mimic the brain-wave patterns with hand motions or gestures.
Discussion: Which Stage Matters Most?
• Stage 3 for physical repair?
• REM for memory and emotion?
• How might lack of one stage affect you?
Prompt: Which stage do you think is most critical for learning? Discuss in pairs.
Sleep Hygiene Factors
• Environment: Dark, cool, quiet bedroom
• Routine: Consistent bedtime and wake time
• Behaviors: Limit screens 1 hour before bed, avoid caffeine late afternoon
Show a photo of a messy bedroom vs. a calm, dark room to illustrate good vs poor hygiene.
Importance of Adequate Rest
• Boosts mood and mental health
• Enhances focus, creativity, and grades
• Supports growth, immune function, and metabolism
Highlight data: Teens need 8–10 hours but most get 6–7. Ask: How many hours do you get?
Your Sleep Habits
Activity: Write down bedtime, wake time, and quality last night. Then list one adjustment to improve your rest.
Introduce the Sleep Log Tracker. Have students reflect on their own sleep habits and note one change they could try tonight.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
• Sleep has defined stages and vital functions
• Hygiene habits directly impact sleep quality
• Next: Track your sleep for 5 nights using our Sleep Log Tracker
Recap today’s key takeaways and preview Session 1 where students begin tracking their own sleep.
Project Guide
Sleep Improvement Proposal
Overview:
As Sleep Detectives, your group will create a proposal that uses your tracked sleep data to recommend practical changes for better rest. You’ll analyze patterns, identify challenges, and design evidence-based solutions. Finally, you’ll present your findings and plan to the class.
Project Objectives
- Apply data analysis skills to real-life health data
- Craft clear, actionable recommendations based on evidence
- Practice scientific writing and group collaboration
- Develop presentation skills and peer feedback strategies
Group Roles & Expectations
- Project Manager: Keeps the team on schedule and organizes materials
- Data Analyst: Compiles and visualizes sleep log data (charts, averages)
- Researcher/Writer: Drafts proposal text (introductions, rationales, conclusions)
- Designer/Presenter: Creates slides or posters and leads the in-class presentation
All members should contribute to peer reviews and final edits.
Proposal Sections
- Title Page
– Group name, member names, date - Introduction
– Purpose of the study
– Brief explanation of sleep hygiene concepts - Data Summary
– Tables or charts summarizing 5-night logs
– Key metrics: average sleep duration, consistency, quality - Trend Analysis
– Interpret patterns in your data
– Identify primary issues affecting sleep (e.g., late screens, inconsistent bedtimes) - Proposed Improvements
For each issue:
- Action: What change will you make?
- Rationale: Why will this help? (link to science)
- Implementation Plan: Step-by-step guide to carry out the change
- Expected Outcome: How will you measure success?
- Conclusion
– Summary of key takeaways and group commitment to implementation - References
– Cite any sources or curriculum materials used
Formatting Guidelines
- Typed, 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman), 1-inch margins
- 2–3 pages maximum (excluding title and references)
- Include at least one visual (chart or graph) from your data analysis
Presentation Requirements
- 5-minute group presentation using slides or poster
- Clearly explain data findings and proposed changes
- Allow 2 minutes for audience questions and feedback
- Use visuals: charts, bulleted lists, and diagrams
Timeline
| Milestone | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Draft Proposal | Session 2, Mid |
| Peer Review Exchange | Session 2, End |
| Final Proposal & Slides | One Week Later |
| In-Class Presentation | Following Week |
Peer Review
Use the Proposal Scoring Guide to give constructive feedback on:
- Clarity of data interpretation
- Strength of rationale and methods
- Feasibility of implementation plan
- Overall organization and professionalism
Good luck, Sleep Detectives! Investigate, analyze, and propose for better rest. Sweet dreams start with science.
Worksheet
Sleep Log Tracker
Instructions: Use this sheet each morning to record your sleep details for five consecutive nights. Be as accurate as possible.
| Date | Bedtime | Wake Time | Total Sleep (hrs) | Sleep Quality (1‐5) | Influencing Factors (e.g., screens, caffeine, stress) | Reflection / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | ||||||
| Night 2 | ||||||
| Night 3 | ||||||
| Night 4 | ||||||
| Night 5 |
Summary and Reflection
- Average sleep duration over 5 nights (hrs): ____________
- Most common influencing factor you observed: ____________
- Describe any trends in your sleep quality across the five nights:
- Based on your data, what is one change you will test to improve your rest? Explain why it might help:
Rubric
Proposal Scoring Guide
Use this rubric to provide constructive feedback on your peers’ Sleep Improvement Proposals. Each criterion is scored 1–4 (4 = Exemplary, 1 = Beginning).
| Criterion | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Insightful, accurate analysis; charts/tables clearly summarize trends; conclusions are fully supported. | Accurate analysis; data summaries are clear; main patterns identified. | Basic analysis; some trends noted but lacks depth or clarity. | Incomplete or inaccurate data interpretation; key trends missing. |
| Rationale & Evidence | Explanations strongly linked to sleep science; evidence cited effectively; compelling scientific support. | Clear rationale with scientific support; most claims backed by evidence. | Rationale present but weakly connected to science; missing some evidence. | Rationale missing or unsupported by data/science. |
| Implementation Plan & Feasibility | Detailed, realistic steps; measurable success criteria; implementation is highly feasible and practical. | Practical plan with clear steps and outcomes; feasible with minor refinements. | Plan includes steps but lacks detail or clear measures; feasibility uncertain. | Plan is vague, unrealistic, or missing key elements. |
| Organization & Clarity | Exceptionally well-structured; flows logically; professional formatting; guidelines followed precisely. | Well-organized; clear structure; minor formatting issues; guidelines mostly followed. | Organization is basic; some sections unclear; formatting issues present. | Disorganized; hard to follow; significant formatting or guideline errors. |
| Visuals & Integration | High-quality visuals (charts/graphs) are accurate, well-labeled, and enhance understanding. | Visuals accurate and relevant; labels present; generally support the text. | Visuals present but lack clarity, labels, or strong relevance; limited support. | Visuals missing, irrelevant, or poorly executed. |
Scoring Range per Criterion: 1–4
Total Possible Score: 20
Instructions for Peer Reviewers:
• Circle the score for each criterion and write a brief comment.
• Offer specific suggestions for improvement where scores are 1–2.
• Highlight strengths when scoring 3–4 to reinforce good practices.
Good luck, reviewers—your feedback makes these proposals stronger!