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Sleep Science

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Lesson Plan

Experiment Sleep Plan

Students will conduct a small-group experiment to observe how three different pre-bed activities (reading, screen time, journaling) affect their immediate restfulness, record observations, and reflect on healthy sleep habits.

Understanding how bedtime routines influence restfulness teaches cause-and-effect in personal health, fosters scientific inquiry, and promotes self-awareness of healthy habits.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Hands-on group experiment with timed activities and reflection.

Materials

Sleep Science Slides, Pre-Bed Routine Test, Restfulness Reflection Journal, Science Journals or Experiment Sheets, Pencils or Pens, Stopwatch or Timer, and Sample Pre-Bed Items (Books, Electronic Devices, Journaling Supplies)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Display the Sleep Science Slides
  • Discuss why sleep matters and characteristics of healthy bedtime routines
  • Pose the experiment question: How do different pre-bed activities affect restfulness?
  • Explain how to record observations on the Pre-Bed Routine Test sheets

Step 2

Experiment Setup

5 minutes

  • Split students into groups of 3–4
  • Assign each group an order for the three activities: reading, screen time, journaling
  • Clarify timing: 3 minutes for each activity, followed by 2 minutes of quiet rest
  • Distribute Pre-Bed Routine Test sheets and assign roles (timekeeper, recorder, participant)

Step 3

Conduct Experiment Rounds

15 minutes

  • Round 1: Complete first pre-bed activity for 3 minutes → rest for 2 minutes → record restfulness rating
  • Round 2: Complete second activity → rest → record rating
  • Round 3: Complete third activity → rest → record rating
  • Use stopwatches/timers to track each interval accurately
  • Rotate roles as time permits so each student participates in every task

Step 4

Reflect & Share

10 minutes

  • Have each group share their restfulness ratings and discuss which activity felt most restful
  • Lead a class discussion on why certain routines may promote better rest
  • Students complete individual entries in the Restfulness Reflection Journal
  • Summarize key takeaways about healthy bedtime routines based on class data
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Slide Deck

Sleep Science Experiment

Exploring how different pre-bed activities affect our restfulness

Welcome students! Introduce today’s topic: how our bedtime activities affect how rested we feel. Explain that we’ll do a fun experiment in small groups.

Why Sleep Matters

• Helps us grow strong
• Gives us energy to learn and play
• Helps our brain remember and focus
• Keeps us in a good mood

Discuss key reasons we need sleep: growth, energy, focus, mood. Ask students to share why they think sleep is important.

Materials

• Pre-Bed Routine Test sheets
• Restfulness Reflection Journal
• Sample books, devices, journaling supplies
• Timer or stopwatch
• Pencils or pens

Show all materials and make sure each group has what they need. Point to the handouts and real items.

Pre-Bed Activities

  1. Reading a book
  2. Screen time (tablet or phone)
  3. Journaling (writing thoughts)

Introduce the three activities we’ll test. Ask students if they have done these before bedtime.

Experiment Procedures

  1. In groups of 3–4, each student takes turns as timekeeper, recorder, participant
  2. Do Activity #1 for 3 minutes → rest quietly 2 minutes → record restfulness (1–5)
  3. Repeat for Activity #2 and Activity #3
  4. Rotate roles so everyone helps and participates

Explain the steps clearly. Emphasize timing: 3 minutes activity, 2 minutes quiet rest, then record.

Recording Observations

Activity | Restfulness Rating (1=not restful to 5=very restful)
Reading | _____
Screen Time | _____
Journaling | _____

Model how to fill in the chart on the Pre-Bed Routine Test sheet. Encourage clear numbers and neat writing.

Share & Discuss

• Which activity felt most restful?
• Which felt least restful?
• Why do you think some activities help us rest better?
• How can this help our bedtime routine?

After collecting data, guide students to share findings. Ask follow-up questions to deepen understanding.

Next Steps

• Complete your entry in the Restfulness Reflection Journal
• Discuss as a group what makes a healthy bedtime routine
• Try out your favorite routine at home tonight!

Wrap up the lesson. Remind students to complete their Restfulness Reflection Journal entries and think about a healthy bedtime plan.

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Activity

Pre-Bed Routine Test

Instructions:

  • Write your Group Name and list the Group Members below.
  • For each pre-bed activity, rate how rested you feel after the rest period (1 = not restful, 5 = very restful).
  • In the Observations column, note anything you noticed (e.g., felt calm, restless, could focus).

Group Name: _____________________________

Group Members: ___________________________

ActivityRestfulness Rating (1–5)Observations
Reading_________________________________________
Screen Time_________________________________________
Journaling_________________________________________
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Journal

Restfulness Reflection Journal

Use these prompts to think about what you learned from the experiment and how you can plan a healthy bedtime routine.

1. What activity made you feel the most rested? Why do you think it had that effect?







2. Which activity made you feel the least rested? Describe any thoughts or feelings you noticed in your body.







3. Did you notice any patterns in your group’s restfulness ratings (for example, did calm activities help more)? What does this tell you about bedtime routines?







4. Imagine you are creating the perfect bedtime routine for yourself. Which activities would you include, in what order, and why?












5. How will you try your new routine at home tonight? What steps can you take to make sure you follow it?







Bonus Creative Prompt:
Draw or describe your ideal bedtime scene—include things like the room, lighting, sounds, and activities that help you feel calm and ready for sleep.












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Sleep Science • Lenny Learning