Hydration: Electrolytes

Audience: Students ages 9 years and older

General program objective: Participants will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of staying hydrated.

Specific program objective: Participants will identify the importance of and sources of electrolytes.

Behavior change strategy: Self-Efficacy

Educational activities:

  • Elicit—ask the students what they know about electrolytes.
  • Explain—play the provided video for the students.
  • Expand—have the students reflect on the information provided in the video
  • Exit—have the students list sources of electrolytes.

Length of time to complete: 10-15 minutes, depending on length and depth of conversation.

Materials Required:

  • Note paper and writing utensils
  • Multi-media display (e.g. computer monitor, projector, or SmartScreen)
  • Access to the internet and YouTube

Procedure:

  • Ask the students what they already know about electrolytes (they can write their thoughts, answer in small groups, or discuss as a class):
    • Who has heard of electrolytes before? Where did you hear about them?
    • What do you think electrolytes are?
    • Do you think electrolytes might be important for the body
    • Where do you think you get electrolytes from?
  • Introduce the short-form video and play for the students.
  • Ask the students to reflect on the video (they can write their thoughts, answer in small groups, or discuss as a class):
    • What are electrolytes and why are they important?
    • How do electrolytes help the body function?
    • How can we ensure to get enough electrolytes?
    • How can a person lose electrolytes?
  • Have the students brainstorm sources of electrolytes (individually or in small groups) and make a list for the whole class that includes suggestions from the each individual or group.
    • Note: Almost all foods contain at least some trace amounts of electrolytes with the exception mainly being distilled water.

Further enrichment:

Do a group knowledge test. Assign one side of the room as “True” and another as “False.” Have the students move their bodies to answer questions. Some sample questions are included in the PDF lesson plan.

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