Activity Title- Sleepless in Texas

Goal/Objective

To read and analyze informational text and to create a classroom bulletin board or visual display.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

We live in a fast paced world. People seem to be in a hurry all the time. Because of this fact, we as a society are doing more and sleeping less. The effect that this lifestyle has on the body may be tremendous.

Students need to be able to interpret and apply science information through the use of reading, comprehension, and visual processing. This activity requires that the student read an article on science and create a visual display.

Activity

Provide the students with the handout "Working Ourselves to Death." Have the students read the article. Discuss the main ideas of the handout. Divide the class into small groups of about 4 to 6 students. Have the groups create a display of sleep disorders, causes, and some possible effects of a sleep disorder.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Have the students discuss how closely this article describes their lifestyles. Students need to realize, in order to be healthy and do their best on things such as GED tests, they need to get plenty of rest.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

• Handout- Working Ourselves to Death
• Computer/ Internet connection
• Printer
• Paper, pencils, markers, chart papers
• Newspaper and magazines
• National Sleep Foundation - 2001 Executive Summary

Extension Activity

Students will research the Internet or newspaper and magazines for additional sources on sleep disorders. Add the information to the visual display.

Discuss with the student ways that they can receive enough sleep.

ESE Accommodations

• Provide a dictionary.
• Highlight important concepts in the article.
• Provide a volunteer to assist student who may need help.

Real-Life Connection

Brainstorm with the class real-life examples of "not getting enough sleep."

Activity Title- Sleepless in Texas

Introduction

Ask: Describe a typical day for you? Do you lead a hectic life?

The discussion should lead to the conclusion that most of us have a fast paced life. Most of us have jobs, go to school, and some may even have a families.

Main Activity

Say: Today, we are going to read a handout about sleep habits and disorders.

Have the class read the handout, highlighting important items in the reading.

Ask: What types of sleeping disorders were discussed in the article? What were some of the causes and effects from the disorder?

Divide the class into small groups of 4-6 students. Have them create a visual display that illustrates the causes, disorders, and the effect of sleep deprivation.

Closure/Conclusion

Discuss the effects that sleep disorders have on one's life.

Ask: How many of you have been driving down the road and have become sleepy? Next thing you know you fall asleep. How many of you have been sitting at your desk at school and you start to drift off? How many have fallen asleep while watching TV, and not remember falling asleep?

Ask: If you could change one thing about your hectic life, what would it be?

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Have the student create a survey and question 20 people who are not in the GED class. The survey will ask people how many hours of sleep they get each night. Have the students bring their results to class and then graph the results of the survey. Students may create any type of graph that represents the finding of the survey. The graphs should be posted and serve as a visual aid for the class. The graph could also be used for additional discussion on sleep disorders.