1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,000
Hi, I'm Lynn Swann, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2
00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:16,520
On this episode of NASA Connect, astronauts and NASA researchers will help you learn why

3
00:00:16,520 --> 00:00:20,320
having the right ratio of rest is important.

4
00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:26,000
Students will construct a tool for visualizing fractions as they learn about rational numbers,

5
00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:27,480
all on NASA Connect.

6
00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:34,480
The right ratio of rest, proportional reasoning.

7
00:00:57,480 --> 00:01:13,480
R.J.? R.J., wake up.

8
00:01:13,480 --> 00:01:17,480
Oh, hey, Jen.

9
00:01:17,480 --> 00:01:20,480
How you doing?

10
00:01:20,480 --> 00:01:22,480
R.J., I'm doing fine.

11
00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:23,480
The question is how you're doing.

12
00:01:23,480 --> 00:01:24,480
You look beat.

13
00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:25,480
Are you okay?

14
00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:27,480
I've just been really tired lately.

15
00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:29,480
I even fall asleep in class.

16
00:01:29,480 --> 00:01:30,480
You know what?

17
00:01:30,480 --> 00:01:31,480
Today my teacher had to wake me up.

18
00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:32,480
You're kidding me.

19
00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:33,480
That's not good.

20
00:01:33,480 --> 00:01:34,480
R.J., what's going on?

21
00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:37,480
Uh, track meets and practice keep me pretty busy, and I have to stay up late every night

22
00:01:37,480 --> 00:01:38,480
doing my homework.

23
00:01:38,480 --> 00:01:41,480
I mean, it's hard for me to get up in the morning, and I can't seem to keep my head

24
00:01:41,480 --> 00:01:42,480
up during class.

25
00:01:42,480 --> 00:01:43,480
I mean, I'm beat.

26
00:01:43,480 --> 00:01:46,480
R.J., you know, if you keep going like this, you're going to burn out.

27
00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:49,480
You know, have you ever heard of the term biological clock?

28
00:01:49,480 --> 00:01:51,480
Isn't that where your body has to be in sync?

29
00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:52,480
Sort of.

30
00:01:52,480 --> 00:01:57,480
A more scientific way of talking about your biological clock is the term circadian clock.

31
00:01:57,480 --> 00:02:03,480
Now, this is when your sleep period and your activity period are coordinated with the environmental

32
00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:05,480
dark and light cycle.

33
00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:11,480
The circadian clock acts as a master control to ensure that the various systems of the

34
00:02:11,480 --> 00:02:16,480
body, the nervous system, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and others

35
00:02:16,480 --> 00:02:18,480
work together.

36
00:02:18,480 --> 00:02:23,480
Now, if your clock is out of sync, your health and performance will be negatively affected.

37
00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:32,480
Now, R.J., from what you're telling me, it sounds to me like your lack of sleep is affecting

38
00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:35,480
your ability to stay awake in class and focus.

39
00:02:35,480 --> 00:02:39,480
We've already talked about how NASA is researching good nutrition and exercise, remember?

40
00:02:39,480 --> 00:02:43,480
Well, you know, NASA's also researching sleep as well.

41
00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:48,480
Astronauts on the International Space Station work long hours performing critical tasks.

42
00:02:48,480 --> 00:02:51,480
A lot of attention is paid to their sleep schedule.

43
00:02:51,480 --> 00:02:56,480
Astronauts don't experience normal dark and light cycles like we do on Earth.

44
00:02:56,480 --> 00:02:57,480
How so?

45
00:02:57,480 --> 00:03:02,480
Well, in order to stay in orbit around the Earth, the ISS travels close to 17,500 miles

46
00:03:02,480 --> 00:03:06,480
per hour, or 27,880 kilometers per hour.

47
00:03:06,480 --> 00:03:11,480
The ISS orbits the Earth about 16 times every 24 hours.

48
00:03:11,480 --> 00:03:15,480
That means the astronauts experience a sunrise every 90 minutes.

49
00:03:15,480 --> 00:03:19,480
Now consider what astronauts will face when we return to the moon.

50
00:03:19,480 --> 00:03:22,480
Once the sun rises on the moon, it won't set for a week.

51
00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:25,480
And then it will be dark for an entire week.

52
00:03:25,480 --> 00:03:26,480
Get this.

53
00:03:26,480 --> 00:03:31,480
During missions into space, astronauts can lose up to two hours of sleep per night.

54
00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:36,480
Now, after a two-week mission of orbiting in space, they've accumulated such a sleep deficit,

55
00:03:36,480 --> 00:03:39,480
they are fighting for a bed when they get home.

56
00:03:39,480 --> 00:03:44,480
You see, R.J., your extreme schedule has you facing a circadian challenge, much like the

57
00:03:44,480 --> 00:03:47,480
astronauts do, on a much smaller scale.

58
00:03:47,480 --> 00:03:48,480
Wow.

59
00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:50,480
I'm facing a challenge like the astronauts.

60
00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:52,480
You know, R.J., I have a great idea.

61
00:03:52,480 --> 00:03:56,480
Why don't you search the Internet for some more information on the circadian clock?

62
00:03:56,480 --> 00:04:00,480
And make sure that your information comes from reliable sources, like the NASA portal.

63
00:04:00,480 --> 00:04:04,480
You know, speaking of NASA, I bet you could contact some NASA researchers and find out

64
00:04:04,480 --> 00:04:06,480
what NASA is doing in this field.

65
00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:08,480
I bet you could get some really great information.

66
00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:10,480
Okay, Jen, I'll get on it when I get home.

67
00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:12,480
Don't forget your homework, and please get some rest first.

68
00:04:12,480 --> 00:04:13,480
Oh, sure.

69
00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:14,480
Yeah, I'll let you know what I find out.

70
00:04:14,480 --> 00:04:15,480
See you later.

71
00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:16,480
Okay.

72
00:04:16,480 --> 00:04:20,480
You know, lack of rest and sleep is an issue for many people.

73
00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:23,480
Think about spring and fall when we change our clocks.

74
00:04:23,480 --> 00:04:26,480
Do you have difficulty adjusting to the new time?

75
00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:31,480
How about when you go from your summertime routine to your fall school routine?

76
00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:34,480
Now, if you're like most kids in the summertime, you stay up late at night,

77
00:04:34,480 --> 00:04:36,480
and you might sleep later in the morning.

78
00:04:36,480 --> 00:04:40,480
Do you have trouble adjusting your biological clock for school?

79
00:04:40,480 --> 00:04:45,480
A University of Michigan medical study found teachers report that 10% of their students

80
00:04:45,480 --> 00:04:48,480
have trouble staying awake in their class.

81
00:04:48,480 --> 00:04:50,480
Are you one of these students?

82
00:04:50,480 --> 00:04:55,480
Well, while RJ does his research, here are a few things you and your teacher need to know

83
00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:57,480
about today's NASA Connect program.

84
00:04:57,480 --> 00:05:00,480
During the course of the show, your teacher will stop the program

85
00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:03,480
and ask you several inquiry-based questions.

86
00:05:03,480 --> 00:05:07,480
This is your time to explore and become critical thinkers.

87
00:05:07,480 --> 00:05:10,480
And here is Derek with your first question.

88
00:05:10,480 --> 00:05:13,480
Our friend Norbert is from the planet Norbania,

89
00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:18,480
where a normal day, or a light-dark cycle, is 24 hours, just like it is here on Earth.

90
00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:22,480
One day, he and his dog, Zot, decided to visit other bodies in our solar system

91
00:05:22,480 --> 00:05:23,480
on their space scooters.

92
00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:26,480
They visited Mars, Europa, and Neptune.

93
00:05:26,480 --> 00:05:29,480
Mars has a light-dark cycle close to that of Earth.

94
00:05:29,480 --> 00:05:33,480
Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has a light-dark cycle of about 85 hours,

95
00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:37,480
and Neptune has a light-dark cycle of about 16 hours.

96
00:05:37,480 --> 00:05:41,480
Norbert and Zot are from a planet with a 24-hour light-dark cycle,

97
00:05:41,480 --> 00:05:45,480
so what are some of the sleep challenges they will face as they explore these other bodies?

98
00:05:45,480 --> 00:05:49,480
Teachers, now it's time to pause the program and discuss this with your class.

99
00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:51,480
So, how'd you do?

100
00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:54,480
We'll get back to Norbert and Zot a little bit later in the show,

101
00:05:54,480 --> 00:05:56,480
but first, let's see how RJ's doing.

102
00:06:00,480 --> 00:06:04,480
I checked the Internet and found that much of NASA's sleep research

103
00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:07,480
is being conducted in cooperation with Harvard Medical School

104
00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:11,480
through the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.

105
00:06:11,480 --> 00:06:15,480
Right now, I'm looking for Brigham and Women's Hospital.

106
00:06:15,480 --> 00:06:20,480
That's where Dr. Charles Seisler works conducting sleep research for NASA,

107
00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:22,480
inside specially designed rooms.

108
00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:24,480
By varying the lighting over time,

109
00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:27,480
he's helping astronauts understand the sleep challenges they may face

110
00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:30,480
for the Moon, Mars, or planets beyond.

111
00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:33,480
Dr. Seisler, what is a circadian clock?

112
00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:37,480
All living organisms have a circadian, or biological, clock.

113
00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:40,480
In mammals, it's located within the brain.

114
00:06:40,480 --> 00:06:44,480
This clock helps to synchronize body functions with the external environment.

115
00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:46,480
Through its connections with the eye,

116
00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:51,480
the brain receives information about the external light-dark cycle.

117
00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:56,480
By coordinating the body's biological clock with sunrise and sunset,

118
00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:58,480
the clock resets,

119
00:06:58,480 --> 00:07:02,480
helping to synchronize the rhythms that optimize the body for daily living.

120
00:07:02,480 --> 00:07:04,480
Without light-dark cues,

121
00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:07,480
most individuals would go to bed and wake up later each day.

122
00:07:07,480 --> 00:07:09,480
Why is that?

123
00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:12,480
RJ, it's because most people's biological clocks are set to cycle

124
00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:15,480
with a slightly longer than 24-hour period.

125
00:07:15,480 --> 00:07:19,480
Astronauts typically lose two hours of sleep every night.

126
00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:22,480
Once they are seven to ten days into a mission,

127
00:07:22,480 --> 00:07:25,480
their performance can be impaired as if they had stayed up all night.

128
00:07:25,480 --> 00:07:28,480
Can't you just catch up on your sleep later?

129
00:07:28,480 --> 00:07:29,480
Not really.

130
00:07:29,480 --> 00:07:32,480
In some situations, sleep loss can't be avoided, RJ,

131
00:07:32,480 --> 00:07:35,480
but it's something that everybody should try to limit.

132
00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:38,480
Our research shows that the body needs a consistent amount of sleep each night,

133
00:07:38,480 --> 00:07:41,480
particularly during growth and development.

134
00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:43,480
Take your case, RJ.

135
00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:46,480
Studies show that you need nine to ten hours of sleep each night

136
00:07:46,480 --> 00:07:49,480
to perform your best in school and on the field.

137
00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:53,480
Loss of sleep also impairs learning and memory.

138
00:07:53,480 --> 00:07:56,480
So, RJ, sleep isn't just necessary for brain development.

139
00:07:56,480 --> 00:07:59,480
It's also critical for body development as well.

140
00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:03,480
As you sleep, chemicals in the brain called hormones are released,

141
00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:06,480
which cause your body to grow and mature.

142
00:08:06,480 --> 00:08:08,480
Whoa!

143
00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:11,480
So if you're saying I sleep more, I'll grow more.

144
00:08:11,480 --> 00:08:14,480
Yes, the hormones that you release while you sleep

145
00:08:14,480 --> 00:08:17,480
are necessary for your growth and development into an adult.

146
00:08:17,480 --> 00:08:20,480
Other factors that can affect sleep are physical activity,

147
00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:22,480
mealtimes, and medicines.

148
00:08:22,480 --> 00:08:26,480
And caffeinated drinks like soda, tea, and coffee can really disrupt sleep.

149
00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:30,480
In addition to getting enough sleep,

150
00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:33,480
researchers have discovered that the color of light affects your biological clock.

151
00:08:33,480 --> 00:08:37,480
We've learned that sleep disruption and exposure to certain wavelengths of light

152
00:08:37,480 --> 00:08:41,480
suppress those important growth and maturation hormones.

153
00:08:41,480 --> 00:08:44,480
RJ, this is one of the machines we use to measure the benefits

154
00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:46,480
of the different wavelengths of light.

155
00:08:46,480 --> 00:08:48,480
Want to check it out?

156
00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:51,480
We found shorter, bluer wavelengths of light,

157
00:08:51,480 --> 00:08:54,480
like those we see looking at the Earth's blue sky,

158
00:08:54,480 --> 00:08:57,480
are much more effective for resetting our circadian clock.

159
00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:00,480
Now let's see what a Martian sky is like.

160
00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:08,480
Whoa, this is different.

161
00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:13,480
Longer, redder wavelengths of light, like those in the Martian sky,

162
00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:17,480
are less successful at resetting our circadian clocks.

163
00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:20,480
When we plan for future exploration of Mars,

164
00:09:20,480 --> 00:09:23,480
we will need to think about how the biological clock will respond

165
00:09:23,480 --> 00:09:26,480
to the unearthly color of the Martian skies.

166
00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:29,480
Wow, that's a lot to think about.

167
00:09:29,480 --> 00:09:33,480
Our research with the color of light may reveal unknown benefits to us.

168
00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:35,480
But RJ, here's the bottom line.

169
00:09:35,480 --> 00:09:38,480
If you get enough sleep, you'll be more alert,

170
00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:40,480
your athletic performance will improve,

171
00:09:40,480 --> 00:09:42,480
and you'll have faster reaction times.

172
00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:44,480
Maintaining a good sleep schedule,

173
00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:46,480
eating a healthy, well-balanced diet,

174
00:09:46,480 --> 00:09:49,480
and following an exercise regimen

175
00:09:49,480 --> 00:09:51,480
all contribute to better minds and bodies.

176
00:09:51,480 --> 00:09:53,480
They're the three pillars of good health.

177
00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:58,480
You have to have the right ratio between rest and activity to be your best.

178
00:09:58,480 --> 00:10:00,480
For someone your age,

179
00:10:00,480 --> 00:10:05,480
that would be a ratio of nine hours of sleep out of a 24-hour day.

180
00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:07,480
RJ, what does your schedule look like?

181
00:10:07,480 --> 00:10:11,480
Well, I get up at 6.30 and try to catch the bus at 8.

182
00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,480
Sometimes I'm late for school.

183
00:10:13,480 --> 00:10:16,480
At 8.30, school starts and I'm in the building until 2.30.

184
00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:19,480
Then I go to track practice from 3 to 6.

185
00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:21,480
I rush home, do my homework in my room.

186
00:10:21,480 --> 00:10:25,480
At around 8 or so, study some more and try to go to sleep around 11.

187
00:10:25,480 --> 00:10:29,480
Next day, I'm up at 6.30, and the process begins all over again.

188
00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:31,480
What about weekends?

189
00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:34,480
Well, I stay up late to watch good TV shows.

190
00:10:34,480 --> 00:10:37,480
And then I get up about 10.30.

191
00:10:37,480 --> 00:10:40,480
In the afternoon, I might lie around the house to catch up on some rest.

192
00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:42,480
RJ, you're not getting enough sleep.

193
00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:46,480
Could you help me figure out a better schedule that will help me get the sleep I need?

194
00:10:46,480 --> 00:10:49,480
Sure. Let me work on it and get back to you later.

195
00:10:49,480 --> 00:10:52,480
Thanks. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.

196
00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:02,480
Thanks, Dr. Seisler, for that information. We look forward to it.

197
00:11:02,480 --> 00:11:06,480
Okay, students, let's learn a little bit more about rational numbers

198
00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:09,480
so you can determine your ratio of rest.

199
00:11:09,480 --> 00:11:14,480
Numbers can be written in different forms, depending on how they're being used.

200
00:11:14,480 --> 00:11:17,480
We're going to look at three forms of rational numbers—

201
00:11:17,480 --> 00:11:21,480
fractions, decimals, and percents.

202
00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:25,480
One way to write a rational number is as a fraction.

203
00:11:25,480 --> 00:11:28,480
A fraction has a numerator and a denominator.

204
00:11:28,480 --> 00:11:32,480
For a rational number, both of these must be whole numbers,

205
00:11:32,480 --> 00:11:35,480
and the denominator must not be zero.

206
00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:40,480
The denominator is the number of equal parts you divide the whole into.

207
00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:45,480
The numerator stands for the number of pieces you are considering out of the whole.

208
00:11:45,480 --> 00:11:48,480
For example, Norbert is going to eat a pizza.

209
00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:51,480
Now, the pizza is cut into ten equal pieces.

210
00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:58,480
He eats seven pieces out of the ten, so we can say he eats seven-tenths of the pizza.

211
00:11:58,480 --> 00:12:03,480
Even a whole number can be written as a fraction when you put it over the number one.

212
00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:08,480
Any fraction with the same numerator and denominator is equal to one,

213
00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:11,480
and if you think about it for a minute, it makes sense.

214
00:12:11,480 --> 00:12:15,480
If Norbert had ten slices in the whole pizza, that is the denominator,

215
00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:19,480
and if he ate ten of them, that is the numerator.

216
00:12:19,480 --> 00:12:23,480
The resulting fraction would be ten-tenths, or ten divided by ten,

217
00:12:23,480 --> 00:12:26,480
and that equals one whole pizza.

218
00:12:26,480 --> 00:12:30,480
Another way of describing how much pizza Norbert can eat is by using a decimal.

219
00:12:30,480 --> 00:12:35,480
To express a fraction as a decimal, we divide the numerator by the denominator.

220
00:12:35,480 --> 00:12:40,480
In Norbert's case, we divide seven by ten, like this.

221
00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:43,480
We call this seven-tenths.

222
00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:50,480
Now, we can say that Norbert has eaten seven-tenths, or seven-tenths of his pizza.

223
00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:56,480
There is still another way to express how much pizza Norbert has eaten, and that is using percent.

224
00:12:56,480 --> 00:13:00,480
A percent is a special fraction that is always based on 100.

225
00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:05,480
We can express any decimal number as a percent simply by multiplying by 100.

226
00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:10,480
Seven-tenths multiplied by 100 is 70%.

227
00:13:10,480 --> 00:13:17,480
Let's review. Seven-tenths equals seven-tenths equals 70%.

228
00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:24,480
Now that you know how to express rational numbers as fractions, decimals, and percents, try this example.

229
00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:27,480
Don't forget to look for equivalent fractions, too.

230
00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:32,480
Norbert orders an eight-slice pizza and eats six of the slices.

231
00:13:32,480 --> 00:13:37,480
Show how much he ate using a fraction, a decimal, and a percent.

232
00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:44,480
Teachers, now might be a great time to stop the program as students work this out.

233
00:13:44,480 --> 00:13:47,480
Welcome back. How did you do?

234
00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:51,480
Norbert ordered an eight-slice pizza, so eight becomes the denominator.

235
00:13:51,480 --> 00:13:54,480
He ate six, so that is the numerator.

236
00:13:54,480 --> 00:13:57,480
Norbert ate six-eighths of the pizza.

237
00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:00,480
To find the decimal, we divide six by eight.

238
00:14:00,480 --> 00:14:04,480
The answer in decimal notation is 75 hundredths.

239
00:14:04,480 --> 00:14:10,480
Now, to figure out the percentage, let's multiply 75 hundredths by 100.

240
00:14:10,480 --> 00:14:14,480
Norbert ate 75% of his pizza.

241
00:14:14,480 --> 00:14:17,480
Now, let's look at ratios.

242
00:14:17,480 --> 00:14:21,480
A ratio is a comparison of two quantities by division.

243
00:14:21,480 --> 00:14:27,480
Because we know that Norbert ate six slices of pizza from the total number of slices, eight,

244
00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:31,480
we would write this ratio as six eaten to eight total.

245
00:14:31,480 --> 00:14:35,480
Ratios can also be written as fractions, like this.

246
00:14:35,480 --> 00:14:37,480
Six over eight.

247
00:14:37,480 --> 00:14:39,480
Now, let's look at proportions.

248
00:14:39,480 --> 00:14:43,480
A proportion is an equation stating that two ratios are equivalent.

249
00:14:43,480 --> 00:14:48,480
Let's compare how much pizza Norbert ate compared to how much Zot ate.

250
00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:50,480
The unit is a slice.

251
00:14:50,480 --> 00:14:56,480
Now, we know that Norbert ordered an eight-slice pizza, but Zot wanted his pizza cut into 12 slices.

252
00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:59,480
We know that Norbert ate six slices.

253
00:14:59,480 --> 00:15:01,480
Zot eats nine of his 12.

254
00:15:01,480 --> 00:15:06,480
Norbert's ratio of eaten slices to total slices was six to eight.

255
00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:08,480
What will Zot's be?

256
00:15:08,480 --> 00:15:11,480
That's right, nine to 12.

257
00:15:11,480 --> 00:15:15,480
To see if these ratios form a proportion, we set them up like this.

258
00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:19,480
Six-eighths equals nine-twelfths.

259
00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:24,480
Next, we cross-multiply the denominators and numerators like this.

260
00:15:24,480 --> 00:15:32,480
If the answers on either side of the equal sign are the same, then the two ratios are proportional.

261
00:15:32,480 --> 00:15:38,480
Now that we know Norbert has been well-fed, let's visit with students from Cole Middle School in Oakland, California.

262
00:15:38,480 --> 00:15:46,480
They're doing a classroom activity on decimals and percentages, along with some scientific observations on their sleep.

263
00:15:46,480 --> 00:15:49,480
Hello. Welcome to Cole Middle School.

264
00:15:49,480 --> 00:15:53,480
We're about to show you a cool activity that you can try with your class.

265
00:15:53,480 --> 00:16:03,480
You can view and download this activity from the NASA Connect website.

266
00:16:03,480 --> 00:16:08,480
Our teacher gave us data sheets to collect information about the way we and our family sleep at night.

267
00:16:08,480 --> 00:16:14,480
On the data sheet, we recorded when we went to bed, when we woke up, and how many hours we slept.

268
00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:17,480
Some of us also kept track of other members in our family.

269
00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:20,480
We collected this data for at least one week.

270
00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:24,480
We also recorded some observations about how we felt throughout each day.

271
00:16:24,480 --> 00:16:29,480
Using the logs, we made graphs to see if any patterns occurred in our data.

272
00:16:29,480 --> 00:16:34,480
Next, using the data, we figured out the average number of hours each person slept.

273
00:16:34,480 --> 00:16:39,480
Some of us noticed that younger kids in our families sleep a lot more than we do.

274
00:16:39,480 --> 00:16:44,480
We also noticed that some days we felt really tired and had a hard time getting out of bed.

275
00:16:44,480 --> 00:16:49,480
Next, we created another representation of our data, called fraction wheels.

276
00:16:49,480 --> 00:16:53,480
Like our graph, these wheels showed how much of our day was spent sleeping.

277
00:16:53,480 --> 00:16:58,480
Write this portion as a fraction and convert this to percent and then decimal.

278
00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:05,480
To make our fraction wheels, we used colored construction paper, pencils, compass, protractor, and scissors.

279
00:17:05,480 --> 00:17:08,480
We drew two circles and cut them out.

280
00:17:08,480 --> 00:17:12,480
One entire circle represents 24 hours in an Earth day.

281
00:17:12,480 --> 00:17:19,480
Remember, the length of any planet's day is the number of hours it takes to rotate once on its axis.

282
00:17:19,480 --> 00:17:25,480
Because there are 24 hours in one day, we divided one of our circles into 24 equal pieces.

283
00:17:25,480 --> 00:17:29,480
We used a vision to figure out how many degrees were in each piece.

284
00:17:29,480 --> 00:17:34,480
Can you think of another way of making 24 equal pieces?

285
00:17:34,480 --> 00:17:39,480
Next, we needed to make the slits that let us split the two circles together, like this.

286
00:17:39,480 --> 00:17:42,480
Now we could see what fraction of our day was spent sleeping,

287
00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:46,480
and it was easy to see how fractions, percents, and decimals are the same.

288
00:17:46,480 --> 00:17:50,480
Some of us also researched the length of a day on other planets.

289
00:17:50,480 --> 00:17:55,480
For more information about this and other student activities, visit the NASA Connect website.

290
00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:00,480
Awesome job.

291
00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:03,480
Well, we've seen how Cole Middle School conducted the activity.

292
00:18:03,480 --> 00:18:08,480
Let's return to Derek's challenge, take it a step further, and see if we can help Norbert out.

293
00:18:08,480 --> 00:18:11,480
Oh, my hands are talking to me.

294
00:18:11,480 --> 00:18:12,480
Thanks, Jen.

295
00:18:12,480 --> 00:18:15,480
Okay, kids, you have learned how to set up ratios.

296
00:18:15,480 --> 00:18:20,480
Let's apply what we have learned to Norbert and Zot as they explore the other bodies of our solar system.

297
00:18:20,480 --> 00:18:23,480
We want to make sure Norbert and Zot get the right ratio of rest.

298
00:18:23,480 --> 00:18:30,480
On Earth, Norbert feels pretty good when he sleeps about 9 out of 24 hours, or 3 eighths of the day, a lot like you.

299
00:18:30,480 --> 00:18:35,480
But if he wants to get the same ratio of rest when he visits Neptune, how much should he sleep?

300
00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:40,480
First, you will need to find out how many hours are in a whole day on Neptune.

301
00:18:40,480 --> 00:18:43,480
Next, we need to apply ratios and proportions.

302
00:18:43,480 --> 00:18:47,480
Remember, a ratio is a comparison of two numbers by division.

303
00:18:47,480 --> 00:18:51,480
In this case, we are comparing hours on Earth to hours on Neptune.

304
00:18:51,480 --> 00:18:57,480
The unit of measure is an hour, and a proportion is a statement that two ratios are equivalent.

305
00:18:57,480 --> 00:19:04,480
How many hours of sleep are needed on Neptune in order to create a proportion with the same Earth-rest ratio?

306
00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:07,480
Teachers, now is a good time to pause the program.

307
00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:10,480
Let's see what you came up with.

308
00:19:10,480 --> 00:19:18,480
You should have set up a proportion that states 9 over 24 hours on Earth is equivalent to X over 16 hours.

309
00:19:18,480 --> 00:19:23,480
We use the variable X for the amount of sleep hours since we don't know the value yet.

310
00:19:23,480 --> 00:19:26,480
Next, we will cross-multiply like this.

311
00:19:26,480 --> 00:19:30,480
Find the products on both sides of the equation and solve for X.

312
00:19:30,480 --> 00:19:32,480
X equals 6.

313
00:19:33,480 --> 00:19:40,480
In order for Norbert to sleep 3-8 or 9-24 of his day while on Neptune, he should sleep about 6 hours while on Neptune.

314
00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:43,480
Don't worry if you got this answer wrong. You can always try again.

315
00:19:51,480 --> 00:19:59,480
Wow. You know, 6 hours of sleep a night isn't enough to keep me healthy and performing at the top of my game.

316
00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:10,480
I know. Let's check back with RJ and see if he's found out any information on the circadian clock that might help Norbert in his travels around our solar system.

317
00:20:16,480 --> 00:20:21,480
Hi, RJ. I understand you need some information about sleep patterns in outer space.

318
00:20:21,480 --> 00:20:25,480
Yeah. I was wondering how you get enough rest with all the critical work and exercise you do.

319
00:20:25,480 --> 00:20:27,480
I know my schedule's full.

320
00:20:27,480 --> 00:20:31,480
I was wondering what you're learning in space that can help me here on Earth.

321
00:20:31,480 --> 00:20:37,480
Those are good questions, RJ. Let me see if I can help you, but first let me explain what we face in space.

322
00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:42,480
Astronauts probably experience more disruptions in normal sleep patterns than you do on Earth.

323
00:20:42,480 --> 00:20:50,480
The intense work schedule, unusual surroundings, cramped work quarters, stress and excitement of being in space can all make sleep difficult.

324
00:20:50,480 --> 00:21:01,480
Since lack of sleep can seriously affect performance on physical and mental tasks, helping astronauts overcome possible troubles with sleeping and getting enough rest is a top priority.

325
00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:10,480
In addition, the normal 24-hour pattern of light and dark that provides a time cue to the body's clock here on Earth is absent in space.

326
00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:17,480
On orbit, we experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every day, one every 90 minutes.

327
00:21:17,480 --> 00:21:25,480
We can't sleep 16 times a day to match the ISS day-night cycle, but beginning about two weeks before shuttle launch,

328
00:21:25,480 --> 00:21:31,480
astronauts begin to shift the time they sleep by hour intervals until they are in line with their mission schedule.

329
00:21:31,480 --> 00:21:37,480
The ISS schedule can be as much as 10 hours different from what they are used to here on Earth.

330
00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:43,480
In addition, shuttle crew members are also exposed to bright indoor lights at specific times.

331
00:21:43,480 --> 00:21:52,480
A controlled environment and programmed meal periods help reset their body's internal clock to match the schedule they will follow on their mission.

332
00:21:52,480 --> 00:21:54,480
So where do you sleep on the ISS?

333
00:21:54,480 --> 00:21:58,480
Well, this is an example of one of the bedrooms on the ISS, and here's one of our sleeping bags.

334
00:21:58,480 --> 00:22:04,480
Look, I know that there isn't a lot of space on the ISS, so I can't imagine that you have to sleep in tight quarters.

335
00:22:04,480 --> 00:22:11,480
But isn't sleeping on these hard surfaces make it tough? I mean, there's barely any stuffing in these sleeping bags.

336
00:22:11,480 --> 00:22:15,480
We don't need stuffing, mattresses, or pillows to sleep on the ISS.

337
00:22:15,480 --> 00:22:19,480
One of the wildest sights to see in outer space are astronauts sleeping.

338
00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:22,480
If we don't restrain ourselves, everyone just floats.

339
00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:24,480
Wow, that is wild.

340
00:22:24,480 --> 00:22:29,480
In the ISS, we're floating, so pillows aren't needed, but we use them to protect our heads.

341
00:22:29,480 --> 00:22:34,480
Also, since we don't have any restrictions, our hands float up, and we can bump into things.

342
00:22:34,480 --> 00:22:38,480
So we use sleeping bags in our sleeping compartment to limit our movement.

343
00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:42,480
Still, most astronauts report that they actually sleep better while floating

344
00:22:42,480 --> 00:22:47,480
because there are no pressure points on their body like you might experience in your bed on Earth.

345
00:22:48,480 --> 00:22:52,480
Okay, so how do you deal with your tough schedule when you try to sleep?

346
00:22:52,480 --> 00:22:57,480
Sleep is one of our highest priorities. That's why we follow a carefully managed activity plan.

347
00:22:57,480 --> 00:23:05,480
We are active for 12 hours out of the day, working, performing experiments, housekeeping, exercising, and preparing meals.

348
00:23:05,480 --> 00:23:09,480
Two hours before our sleep time, we make sure we relax and wind down,

349
00:23:09,480 --> 00:23:12,480
getting our minds and our bodies prepared for sleep.

350
00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:16,480
We all try to sleep for eight hours and then spend two hours in the morning waking up.

351
00:23:16,480 --> 00:23:20,480
You know, brushing our teeth, washing up, eating breakfast.

352
00:23:20,480 --> 00:23:25,480
It takes about that long for the brain to be fully awake and ready for the rigorous day ahead.

353
00:23:25,480 --> 00:23:30,480
Sometimes we have to perform critical activities, such as spacewalks or docking maneuvers,

354
00:23:30,480 --> 00:23:34,480
that require us to be fully awake at a time when we're accustomed to sleeping.

355
00:23:34,480 --> 00:23:42,480
To get prepared for these critical events, we once again slowly shift our sleeping and waking times to reset our circadian clock.

356
00:23:42,480 --> 00:23:49,480
You know, RJ, there are other factors like temperature, noise, and light exposure that all contribute to how we sleep.

357
00:23:49,480 --> 00:23:55,480
Dr. Seisler's work on the color of light holds a lot of promise for us on the ISS and travels beyond.

358
00:23:55,480 --> 00:24:01,480
RJ, I hope our talk helped you understand why it's important for astronauts and for you to get enough sleep.

359
00:24:01,480 --> 00:24:03,480
It sure has. Thank you.

360
00:24:04,480 --> 00:24:08,480
I think this is Dr. Seisler. Maybe he has some suggestions for me.

361
00:24:08,480 --> 00:24:10,480
Hello, Dr. Seisler.

362
00:24:10,480 --> 00:24:16,480
Hi, RJ. Well, I've reviewed your schedule, and I have some suggestions that might help your situation.

363
00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:19,480
You need to be on a schedule more like the astronauts.

364
00:24:19,480 --> 00:24:22,480
At your age, you need at least nine hours of sleep.

365
00:24:22,480 --> 00:24:27,480
Plus, you need about two hours to wind down before you go to sleep at night,

366
00:24:27,480 --> 00:24:31,480
and at least an hour after waking to be fully alert.

367
00:24:31,480 --> 00:24:35,480
You need to spend more time outdoors in the morning under the bright blue sky.

368
00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:38,480
Maybe you could walk to school instead of taking the bus.

369
00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:43,480
This will not only keep your internal clock in tune with the Earth's day and night cycle,

370
00:24:43,480 --> 00:24:49,480
but it will help you to get to sleep better the next night and wake up more easily the following morning.

371
00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:52,480
Here is the kind of schedule you might want to try.

372
00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:58,480
At 7.30 in the morning, wake up, brush your teeth, wash up, have a good breakfast, and walk to school.

373
00:24:58,480 --> 00:25:02,480
From 8.30 to 2.30 is when you're in school.

374
00:25:02,480 --> 00:25:05,480
2.30 to 5.00 is track practice.

375
00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:09,480
5.00 to 6.00 in the evening, you could spend time with your friends.

376
00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:13,480
6.00 to 6.30 is suppertime.

377
00:25:13,480 --> 00:25:17,480
6.30 to 8.30 is for homework and studying.

378
00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:26,480
8.30 to 9.30 is for winding down, reading quietly, relaxing to your favorite music, quiet time.

379
00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:33,480
And then, most importantly, from 9.30 at night until 7.30 in the morning is reserved for sleep.

380
00:25:33,480 --> 00:25:40,480
Wow, I get a whole hour to hang out with my friends, and I can read my comic books while I wind down.

381
00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:42,480
This schedule is sweet.

382
00:25:42,480 --> 00:25:46,480
Remember, RJ, because this schedule gives you the rest that you need,

383
00:25:46,480 --> 00:25:51,480
you'll get much more out of your everyday life, including school and study time.

384
00:25:51,480 --> 00:25:55,480
You'll want to follow the same wake and sleep schedule on the weekends

385
00:25:55,480 --> 00:25:59,480
because otherwise it takes several days for your biological clock to reset.

386
00:25:59,480 --> 00:26:04,480
Remember, RJ, this schedule is designed for you and not necessarily what others might need.

387
00:26:04,480 --> 00:26:07,480
Wow, thanks a lot, Dr. Cicely.

388
00:26:07,480 --> 00:26:08,480
And thank you, Dr. Dave.

389
00:26:08,480 --> 00:26:11,480
I'll definitely look into what you both recommend.

390
00:26:11,480 --> 00:26:13,480
And Jennifer, hopefully this will take care of my problem.

391
00:26:13,480 --> 00:26:15,480
Back to you.

392
00:26:18,480 --> 00:26:22,480
Okay, RJ, it looks like you got some great suggestions for getting better rest.

393
00:26:22,480 --> 00:26:24,480
I hope you use them.

394
00:26:25,480 --> 00:26:30,480
And, you know, speaking of rest, what suggestions did you and your class come up with for Norbert?

395
00:26:33,480 --> 00:26:35,480
So here's my challenge to you.

396
00:26:35,480 --> 00:26:37,480
How can you be at your best?

397
00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:44,480
Well, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and, of course, enough sleep all work together to enhance your health.

398
00:26:44,480 --> 00:26:49,480
Now, what changes can you make to your diet, to your exercise routine,

399
00:26:49,480 --> 00:26:53,480
and to your sleeping habits that will allow you to reach for the stars?

400
00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:56,480
To help you with this challenge, you might want to watch the NASA Connect program's

401
00:26:56,480 --> 00:27:00,480
Better Health, From Space to Earth, and Good Stress.

402
00:27:01,480 --> 00:27:04,480
Well, that wraps up another episode of NASA Connect.

403
00:27:04,480 --> 00:27:08,480
We'd like to thank everyone who helped make this program possible.

404
00:27:10,480 --> 00:27:16,480
So until next time, stay connected to math, science, technology, and NASA.

405
00:27:16,480 --> 00:27:18,480
I'll see you then. Goodbye for now.

406
00:27:20,480 --> 00:27:22,480
Hi, my name is Mary Sanchez.

407
00:27:22,480 --> 00:27:23,480
I work for NASA.

408
00:27:23,480 --> 00:27:28,480
I'm also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, or AIAA.

409
00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:33,480
AIAA provides classroom activities and mentors for classrooms across the nation.

410
00:27:33,480 --> 00:27:37,480
We can help your students learn how math and science are used in everyday life.

411
00:27:37,480 --> 00:27:43,480
For more information on how to request a mentor for your classroom, please visit the NASA Connect website.

412
00:28:13,480 --> 00:28:19,480
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology