The Science of Sleep: Investigating Sleep Quality
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as sleep researchers, design and conduct a study to investigate the impact of specific factors on sleep quality and, based on our findings, develop evidence-based recommendations for improving sleep habits and overall well-being for teenagers?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do biological, environmental, and behavioral factors interact to influence sleep patterns and quality?
- What methods can be used to collect and analyze sleep data effectively?
- How can we design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses about factors affecting sleep quality?
- In what ways does sleep impact various aspects of our physical and mental health?
- How can the findings from sleep research be used to promote healthier sleep habits and improve overall well-being?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design and conduct a study to investigate the impact of specific factors on sleep quality.
- Students will be able to collect and analyze sleep data effectively.
- Students will be able to formulate hypotheses about factors affecting sleep quality.
- Students will be able to develop evidence-based recommendations for improving sleep habits and overall well-being for teenagers.
Teacher Specified
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Dream Factory' Pitch
Students are tasked with developing a product or service that optimizes sleep quality. They'll create a pitch for a panel of 'sleep experts,' motivating them to learn about sleep science for a compelling presentation.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Sleep Detective: Variable Identification
Students begin their journey into sleep science by identifying key variables that could affect sleep quality. This activity sets the stage for hypothesis formation and experimental design.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA categorized list of at least 10 variables with detailed explanations of their potential impact on sleep quality.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with the 'Identyfing variables' standard, as students are required to identify and categorize different factors that can influence sleep quality.Hypothesis Builder: Sleep Edition
In this activity, students will formulate testable hypotheses about the relationship between specific variables and sleep quality. This activity bridges the gap between identifying variables and designing an experiment.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activity2-3 well-formed hypotheses, following the "If...then...because..." format, that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with the 'writing a hypothesis' standard, as students are required to formulate testable hypotheses based on identified variables.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSleep Science Investigation Rubric
Variable Identification
Assesses the thoroughness and accuracy of identified variables and their categorization into biological, environmental, and behavioral factors.Quantity and Relevance of Variables
Evaluates the number of variables identified and their relevance to sleep quality.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies 10+ relevant variables, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of factors affecting sleep. Variables are highly pertinent to sleep quality.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies 8-9 relevant variables, demonstrating a good understanding of factors affecting sleep. Variables are mostly pertinent to sleep quality.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies 6-7 variables, demonstrating a basic understanding of factors affecting sleep. Some variables may have limited relevance to sleep quality.
Beginning
1 PointsIdentifies fewer than 6 variables, demonstrating a limited understanding of factors affecting sleep. Many variables may be irrelevant or unclear.
Categorization and Explanation
Assesses the accuracy of variable categorization and the clarity of explanations regarding their impact on sleep quality.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately categorizes variables into biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Provides detailed and insightful explanations of how each variable affects sleep quality, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of underlying mechanisms.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately categorizes variables into biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Provides clear and logical explanations of how each variable affects sleep quality.
Developing
2 PointsCategorizes most variables correctly, with minor errors. Provides basic explanations of how variables affect sleep quality, but some explanations may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to categorize variables accurately. Provides vague or unclear explanations of how variables affect sleep quality.
Hypothesis Formulation
Evaluates the quality and testability of the formulated hypotheses.Hypothesis Structure and Clarity
Assesses whether the hypotheses follow the 'If...then...because...' format and are clearly stated.
Exemplary
4 PointsFormulates 2-3 hypotheses that are perfectly structured using the 'If...then...because...' format. Hypotheses are exceptionally clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Proficient
3 PointsFormulates 2-3 hypotheses that follow the 'If...then...because...' format. Hypotheses are clear and easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsFormulates 1-2 hypotheses that attempt to use the 'If...then...because...' format, but may contain structural flaws. Hypotheses may lack clarity in some areas.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to formulate hypotheses using the 'If...then...because...' format. Hypotheses are unclear and difficult to understand.
SMART Criteria
Evaluates whether the hypotheses are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).
Exemplary
4 PointsHypotheses are exceptionally SMART, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of experimental design. Variables are clearly defined and measurable, the experiment is feasible, the hypothesis is highly relevant, and the timeframe is appropriate.
Proficient
3 PointsHypotheses are SMART. Variables are defined and measurable, the experiment is feasible, the hypothesis is relevant, and the timeframe is appropriate.
Developing
2 PointsHypotheses partially meet the SMART criteria. Some variables may be poorly defined or difficult to measure, the experiment may have feasibility issues, the hypothesis may have limited relevance, or the timeframe may be unrealistic.
Beginning
1 PointsHypotheses fail to meet the SMART criteria. Variables are poorly defined and unmeasurable, the experiment is not feasible, the hypothesis is irrelevant, and the timeframe is unrealistic.