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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can state the effects of dehydration and evaluate the consequences of dehydration on sport performance.

      Key learning points

      1. Dehydration occurs when there is an excessive loss of water which interupts body functions.
      2. Maintaining hydration helps prevent dehydration and its consequences.
      3. Dehydration thickens the blood, which slows blood flow.
      4. Dehydration leads to increased heart rate, overheating, slower reaction times and muscle cramps.

      Keywords

      • Hydration - having enough water to enable normal functioning of the body

      • Dehydration - excessive loss of body water interrupting the function of the body

      • Reaction time - the time taken to initiate a response to a stimulus

      • Rehydration - consuming water to restore hydration

      • Viscosity - thickening of the blood

      Common misconception

      The main consequences of dehydration are headaches and dizziness.

      Headaches and dizziness are likely effects of dehydration, however the GCSE specification expects students to be able to understand the physiological reasons behind these such as slow blood flow, increased heart rate and body temperature.

      Teacher tip

      The lesson is a good opportunity to review the ingredients of the products on the market for rehydration.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is the correct % of protein in a balanced diet?

      10 - 15%
      Correct answer: 15 - 20%
      10 - 20%
      15 - 25%

      Q2.
      Fat provides energy for intensity exercise.

      Correct Answer: low

      Q3.
      Match the nutrients with their correct function.

      Correct Answer:carbohydrates,energy source

      energy source

      Correct Answer:fats,protects vital organs

      protects vital organs

      Correct Answer:protein,muscle growth and repair

      muscle growth and repair

      Correct Answer:water,maintain hydration

      maintain hydration

      Correct Answer:vitamins,supports general health

      supports general health

      Q4.
      Match the food source with the correct main nutrient.

      Correct Answer:carbohydrates ,pasta

      pasta

      Correct Answer:fats,avocado

      avocado

      Correct Answer:protein,chicken

      chicken

      Correct Answer:vitamins,fruit and vegetables

      fruit and vegetables

      Q5.
      The average male adult requires Kcal per day

      Correct Answer: 2500, 2,500

      Q6.
      A balanced diet contains % of carbohydrate.

      Correct Answer: 55 - 60, 55-60

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following are slower as a consequence of dehydration?

      Correct answer: blood flow
      Correct answer: reactions
      body temperature
      heart rate

      Q2.
      Which of the following are increased as a consequence of dehydration?

      decision making
      blood flow
      Correct answer: heart rate
      Correct answer: body temperature
      Correct answer: muscle cramps

      Q3.
      Hydration is having enough water to enable functioning of the body.

      Correct Answer: normal, norm

      Q4.
      Which of the following terms is related to thickening of the blood?

      blood pressure
      vasodilation
      Correct answer: viscosity
      vasoconstriction

      Q5.
      Match the consequence of dehydration to the likely effect for a games player.

      Correct Answer:slower reaction time,likely to mistime an interception

      likely to mistime an interception

      Correct Answer:slow blood flow,decreased cardiovascular endurance

      decreased cardiovascular endurance

      Correct Answer:increased body temperature,lack of focus and miss a shot

      lack of focus and miss a shot

      Correct Answer:muscle cramps,lack speed when sprinting towards the ball

      lack speed when sprinting towards the ball

      Correct Answer:poor decision making,pass to the wrong teammate

      pass to the wrong teammate

      Q6.
      Rehydration is consuming water to hydration.

      Correct Answer: restore

      To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Hydration, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...