Lesson Plan
Case File: Operation Rest
Students will analyze a mock sleep-deprived client case, collaborate in small teams to identify root causes of poor sleep, and propose evidence-based solutions within 50 minutes.
Understanding sleep hygiene empowers students to improve personal well-being and decision-making. This interactive case study builds analytical and collaborative skills while reinforcing health-science concepts.
Audience
7th Grade Small Groups
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Case-based group inquiry
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Detective Briefing Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the case background and key questions.
- Print one copy per group of the Sleep Case Investigation Worksheet.
- Print one journal per student: Detective’s Recommendations Journal.
- Prepare a copy of the Solution Evaluation Criteria Rubric for each group.
- Arrange classroom seating into small groups of 3–4 students.
- Queue up the slide deck on your projector or interactive whiteboard.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet students as “Sleep Detectives.”
- Briefly discuss: Why is sleep important? (Invite 1–2 volunteers.)
- Explain today’s mission: investigate a client’s sleep issues and recommend solutions.
Step 2
Detective Briefing Presentation
10 minutes
- Launch the Detective Briefing Slide Deck.
- Walk through case background: client profile, reported symptoms, lifestyle factors.
- Highlight guiding questions: What patterns emerge? Which factors contribute most to poor sleep?
Step 3
Group Case Analysis
15 minutes
- Distribute the Sleep Case Investigation Worksheet to each group.
- Instruct teams to:
- Read the client’s case file.
- Identify at least three lifestyle or environmental factors affecting sleep.
- Note any missing information they’d like to know.
- Circulate and prompt groups with probing questions.
Step 4
Solution Development
10 minutes
- Give each student a Detective’s Recommendations Journal.
- Instruct groups to brainstorm evidence-based solutions addressing identified factors.
- Each student records one recommendation in their journal, citing a brief rationale.
Step 5
Presentation & Peer Feedback
5 minutes
- Invite each group to share one solution with the class (1 minute per group).
- Other students use the Solution Evaluation Criteria Rubric to rate feasibility, effectiveness, and creativity.
Step 6
Reflection & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Facilitate a brief discussion: What did you learn about sleep health?
- Ask students to write in their journals: One personal change they’ll try this week.
- Collect journals for review.
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Slide Deck
The Sleep Detective: Operation Rest
Case Briefing Slide Deck
Get ready to investigate a 7th-grader’s sleep struggles and recommend evidence-based solutions!
Welcome students. Introduce today’s activity: you are ‘Sleep Detectives’ on a mission to solve a sleep mystery. Set an energetic, investigative tone.
Mission Objectives
• Investigate a client’s sleep issues
• Identify lifestyle and environmental factors
• Propose evidence-based solutions
• Present recommendations to peers
Explain the objectives clearly so students know what success looks like.
Client Profile
Name: Alex Martinez
Age: 13 (7th grade)
Activities: Soccer practice 3×/week
Evening routine: Homework, video games, snack
Sleep goal: 8–10 hours per night
Walk through each profile item. Emphasize that this is all the information they currently have.
Reported Sleep Symptoms
• Difficulty falling asleep (takes >30 minutes)
• Nighttime awakenings (2–3 times/night)
• Daytime fatigue and yawning in class
• Trouble concentrating on homework
Highlight the symptoms Alex reports. Invite students to imagine how these symptoms affect daily life.
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors
• Phone/tablet screen use until late
• Caffeine from afternoon soda
• Late-night snacking (chips, candy)
• Noisy bedroom (street traffic)
• Inconsistent bedtime (varies by 2–3 hours)
List common factors that may be contributing. Ask students if any surprise them.
What We Know & What We Don’t
Known Information:
• Sleep patterns & symptoms
• Evening habits
Missing Information:
• Stress or anxiety levels
• Weekend vs. weekday routine
• Bedroom light levels
Point out gaps in the case file to encourage critical inquiry.
Guiding Questions
• What patterns emerge in Alex’s routine?
• Which factors contribute most to poor sleep?
• What additional data would help our investigation?
• How might we test potential solutions?
Introduce the questions they’ll use as a framework during group analysis.
Activity
Sleep Case Investigation Worksheet
Group Members: ______________________________________
Case Summary
Refer to the Detective Briefing Slide Deck for full details. In summary, Alex Martinez (age 13) experiences:
- Difficulty falling asleep (>30 minutes)
- Nighttime awakenings (2–3 times/night)
- Daytime fatigue and trouble concentrating
- Evening habits: video games, snacks, inconsistent bedtime
1. Identify Contributing Factors
List at least three lifestyle or environmental factors affecting Alex’s sleep.
2. ________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________
2. Impact Assessment
For each factor you listed above, describe how it might negatively affect sleep quality.
Factor 1: ____________________________________________
Impact:
Factor 2: ____________________________________________
Impact:
Factor 3: ____________________________________________
Impact:
3. Missing Information
What important information is not included in Alex’s case file that would help you investigate further? List two items.
2. ________________________________________________________
4. Evidence Tracking
For each factor, note one type of evidence or research you could consult to support your solution (e.g., scientific study, expert recommendation).
Factor 1: __________________________
Evidence Source: _________________________________________
Factor 2: __________________________
Evidence Source: _________________________________________
Factor 3: __________________________
Evidence Source: _________________________________________
5. Next Questions & Steps
What additional questions will you ask Alex or what steps will you take to gather more data?
Journal
Detective’s Recommendations Journal
Student Name: ______________________ Date: ________________
Case: Alex Martinez (Age 13) – Review details in the Detective Briefing Slide Deck.
Use the Solution Evaluation Criteria Rubric to guide your recommendation.
1. Recommendation
Describe one evidence-based solution to improve Alex’s sleep. Be specific about what change you’re recommending.
2. Rationale
Explain why this solution could be effective. Reference at least one contributing factor you identified in your case analysis and any research or expert guidance you would consult.
3. Implementation Plan
List the concrete steps Alex (or someone) would take to put this recommendation into practice.
4. Potential Challenges & Mitigations
Identify possible obstacles Alex might encounter when trying your solution and propose strategies to overcome each challenge.
5. Personal Reflection
What is one change you will try this week in your own sleep or evening routine? How will you measure your progress or success?
Rubric
Solution Evaluation Criteria Rubric
Use this rubric to rate each group’s recommendation on a scale of 1 (Beginning) to 4 (Excellent).
| Criterion | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feasibility | Solution is highly practical with clear, achievable steps that fit Alex’s daily routine and resources. | Solution is generally practical; most steps are achievable with minor adjustments. | Solution has some practical elements but includes steps that may be challenging to implement. | Solution is unrealistic or lacks clear, actionable steps for Alex. |
| Evidence-Based Reasoning | Rationale is grounded in credible research or expert guidance; cites specific sources and directly links to identified factors. | Rationale includes some evidence or expert guidance and relates to at least one contributing factor. | Rationale is general with limited reference to research or lacks clear connections to factors. | Rationale is missing or does not reference any evidence or research. |
| Clarity & Specificity | Recommendation and implementation plan are described in detailed, step-by-step terms; instructions are unambiguous. | Recommendation and plan are mostly clear; a few details or steps may need elaboration. | Recommendation is stated but lacks sufficient detail or some steps are vague. | Recommendation is unclear, incomplete, or too vague to follow. |
| Creativity & Innovation | Demonstrates original thinking and inventive strategies tailored to Alex’s situation. | Shows some creativity; solution is practical but follows common approaches. | Limited creativity; solution is predictable with few new ideas. | Lacks creativity; solution is generic or directly copied from common advice without adaptation. |