Introduction
Imagine it’s a very hot and humid summer day and you’re outside playing with your friends. You haven’t been playing for very long when you realize how thirsty you feel and you think about how refreshing a tall glass of ice cold water sounds.
Soon, you are too tired to play, and it’s only been thirty minutes! While you feel sluggish and have no more energy, your friends are still running and playing. You wonder, “How are they not also tired?” You notice that all your friends have water bottles with them but you don’t. You begin to think that maybe this could be why you are so tired.
YOU JUST NEED WATER!
Follow all the instructions and tasks to find out how important water is for your physical health and how being properly hydrated can keep you playing longer!
Task
By the end of the activity, you should be able to define the term hydration and dehydration and state why daily hydration is important for a healthy, active life. You should also be able to identify the correct levels of hydration, as well as the negative effects of being dehydrated.
Task One:
Individually, research what hydration and dehydration mean. Try to find guidelines for proper hydration associated with physical activity. You will write a short report about the research you found. You can look at the links provided on the next page to help you.
Task Two:
In groups of three or four, share what research you found and discuss with your peers about the importance of being properly hydrated. Next, make a brief presentation that:
- Defines hydration and dehydration
- Explains the harmful effects of being dehydrated
- Lists ways to stay well hydrated
Task Three:
Make visual aids (chart, graph, poster, etc) to further help inform others about the work your group has done.
Process
Task One:
Individually, you will do research and write a short report about the research you found. The report should be in complete sentences and in paragraphs. Your report should address the following:
- Define hydration and dehydration including how to determine if you are properly hydrated
- Explain the harmful physical and mental effects of being dehydrated
- Explain the importance of being properly hydrated
- Give factors that cuase you to become dehydrated
- Discuss the levels of hydration
- Suggest ways to stay hydrated daily
Here are some links that may be helpful. Make sure to site your sources.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/h2o3.htm
https://healthy-kids.com.au/parents/children-hydration/
http://www.naturalhydrationcouncil.org.uk/hydration-facts/faqs-on-hydration/
http://www.beverageinstitute.org/hydration/
Task Two:
In groups of three or four, share what research you found and put in your reports and discuss with your peers about the importance of being properly hydrated. Next, make a brief PowerPoint presentation that highlights the concepts you addressed in your reports. Work together to use the best information to produce the best presentation. The PowerPoint should be at least 6 slides long.
Task Three:
Make at least 2 visual aids (chart, graph, poster, etc) to further help inform others about the work your group has done.
Here are some ideas:
Evaluation
Below is the criteria for grading.
Task One: Possibility of 16 points
Task Two: Possibility of 9 points
- Presentation addresses all things required from Task One (1 - poor, 2 - acceptable, 3 - excellent)
- Presentation is attractive and informative (1 - poor, 2 - acceptable, 3 - excellent)
- Slides list key words and information without overloading. Students should be able to talk and elaborate on key words and information listed. (1 - poor, 2 - acceptable, 3 - excellent)
Task Three: Possibility of 5 points
- Attractive and eye catching
- Easy to read and understand
- Informative
Conclusion
Great work! You and your group should now have a concrete understanding of hydration and how to prevent dehydration. You will be asked to present your PowerPoint and visual aids to the class. Spread the word about hydration to all your family and friends to help them live hydrated lives as well!