Hydration Station
Since our bodies are made up of 50 to 70% water, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids to keep our bodies healthy. Water plays many important roles in keeping our body in peak performance by giving nutrients to our cells, muscles, joints, our brain, skin and kidneys. Water also regulates our body temperature, and helps our heart function properly.
Space explorers must maintain proper hydration levels while in space. As astronauts complete their tasks on an exploration mission, whether inside or outside the space exploration vehicle, astronauts need adequate hydration to maintain proper health.
In this investigation, teams will explore the importance of staying hydrated here on Earth and in space. They will also learn to identify the signs of dehydration.
Mission Question
How can I create simulated urine to identify different levels of hydration?
Skills
Scientific Methodology, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the importance of staying hydrated, proper hydration methods, and learn to identify signs of dehydration
- Understand the role hydration plays in keeping the body healthy
- Identify hydration levels by creating simulated urine
Equipment
- Per class:
- Computer with Internet access for teacher use
- Library access
- One LCD projector or overhead projector
- One water bottle picture
- 2-3 bandanas
- Urine color chart
- Per group (3-4 students per group):
- One poster board or chart paper
- One set of Markers
- Two computers with internet access
- One Hydration/Dehydration chart or poster
- Four clear plastic cups
- One disposable 8 inch plate
- Two toothpicks
- One small bottle of Yellow, Red and Green food coloring
- One Urine hydration color chart
- One set of Hydration cards
- Per student:
- Hydration Student Section
- Hydrate the Astronaut
- Urine hydration color chart
- Pencil
Time
Preparation: 30 min
Lesson: 2 x 45 minute sessions
Other activities
Living Bones, Strong Bones
Explorers need strong bones so they can face the...
Bonus Activity: Venus Volcanoes
Venus is the most volcanic planet in our solar...
Bonus Activity: Nimble Navigation
Time for a brain (and body) twisting game! Using...
Robotic Arm
To help out in space, scientists have designed and...
Mission: Control!
On Earth, we use a variety of cues to...
Bonus Activity: Astro Art
During a spacewalks, astronauts need some serious dexterity and...
What’s your Space Height?
How tall are you? Are you sure you know...
Bonus Activity: Cosmic Cartwheels
In microgravity, astronauts love to perform spectacular somersaults. Here...
EN 
CZ 
DA 
NL 
FI 
FR 
DE 
EL 
IT 
JA 
LV 
PL 
PT 
RO 
ES 
SV 
NO