Experts have designed these Class 7 Science Notes Chapter 6 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change Class 7 Notes for effective learning.
Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change Notes
Class 7 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change Notes
Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Notes – Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change Notes Class 7
Life has different stages:
- Plant life begins with the germination of seed. Seed becomes sapling on getting adequate nutrition. The sapling matures into a young plant. Certain visible changes occur like increase in height of the plant, appearance of more leaves, formation of flowers, fruits and new seeds. From these seeds new plants are formed. The seedling grows and matures, only then seeds are produced after reproduction.
- Likewise, animals also need to grow and reach maturity before they reproduce.
- Some animals lay eggs that hatch into young ones while other animals, like humans directly give birth to young ones. The young one grows in size and develops overtime.
Human life unfolds in a series of distinct stages, much like the life cycle of other living beings. These stages are infancy (the earliest stage), childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each stage brings its own unique set of changes and developments.
Fig- Child Growth Development
Till the age of 10 -12 years, most changes are related to height and weight.
Adolescence is between 10-19 years, a time of rapid change:
Adolescence is a specific period of development in human life, typically spanning the years between 10 and 19. It’s a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychological transformations.
During adolescence, bodies prepare for adulthood:
One of the primary functions of adolescence is to prepare the body for the responsibilities and capabilities of adulthood. This preparation involves reaching reproductive maturity, along with other physical and emotional developments.
Height increases noticeably during adolescence:
A prominent change during adolescence is a rapid increase in height. This growth spurt is one of the most visible signs that a child is entering adolescence.
Boys gain weight and have broader shoulders; girls gain weight and develop breasts:
During adolescence, both boys and girls experience changes in body composition and shape. Boys tend to gain muscle mass, leading to increased weight and broader shoulders, while girls also gain weight and undergo the development of breasts.
Boys’ voices deepen due to the growth of the voice box (Adam’s apple):
In boys, the voice undergoes a noticeable change during adolescence. The voice box, or larynx, grows, causing the voice that sounds hoarse. This growth can sometimes be visible as a bump in the throat called the Adam’s apple.
Hair grows in armpits and pubic areas for both boys and girls:
Another common change during adolescence is the growth of hair in the armpits and the pubic region. This is a normal part of the physical development process during this stage.
Boys may develop facial hair:
In addition to hair growth in the armpits and pubic area, boys may also experience the development of facial hair. This hair typically appears as a moustache and beard.
Pimples (acne) can appear due to oily skin:
Many adolescents experience skin changes, particularly the appearance of pimples or acne. This is often due to increased oil production in the skin during this period, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation.
Changes occur at different rates for everyone; this is normal:
It’s crucial to understand that the timing and pace of these changes vary significantly from person to person. Each individual has his/ her own unique biological clock, and it’s perfectly normal for some to develop earlier or later than others.
Some changes (voice, hair) are secondary sexual characteristics:
Certain changes that occur during puberty, such as the hoarse voice in boys and the growth of facial and body hair, are known as secondary sexual characteristics. These characteristics distinguish males from females and are not directly ‘ involved in reproduction but signal sexual maturity.
Puberty happens when the body becomes capable of reproduction:
Puberty is the specific stage of adolescence when the body reaches sexual maturity and becomes capable of reproduction. This involves the maturation of the reproductive organs and the onset of reproductive functions.
Girls start menstruating (menstrual cycle):
An important internal change in adolescent girls is the start of menstruation, or the menstrual cycle. This is a recurring cycle involving hormonal changes and the shedding of the uterine lining, marked by blood discharge. It recurs every 28-30 days but it may range from 21-35 days commonly known as “ the period”.
Menstruation is a natural process, not a cause of shame:
It is essential to recognize that menstruation is a natural biological process in females. It should not be a source of shame, embarrassment, or stigma. It is a sign of good reproductive health.
Adolescence involves emotional and behavioural changes:
In addition to physical changes, adolescence is also a time of significant emotional and behavioural development. Adolescents may experience shifts in mood, increased intensity of emotions, and changes in their social interactions and behaviours.
Adolescents may experience mood swings and stronger emotions:
Adolescents often experience mood swings, characterized by rapid shifts in emotional states. They may also feel emotions more intensely than they did in childhood.
A nutritious diet is crucial during adolescence:
Proper nutrition is particularly important during adolescence to support growth and development. Adolescents need a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to fuel their bodies through this period of change.
Personal hygiene is important to prevent infections:
Maintaining personal hygiene is essential during adolescence to prevent infections and promote overall health. This includes practices such as regular bathing, handwashing, and, for girls, proper menstrual hygiene by using sanitary pads. It is also important to dispose of used sanitary pads properly.
Regular exercise is beneficial for good health and positive mood:
Physical activity and exercise are highly beneficial during adolescence. Regular exercise promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and’a positive mood.
Be respectful online and watch out for cyberbullying: In today’s digital age, it’s crucial for adolescents to practice respectful online behaviour and be aware of the risk of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying, which involves using electronic devices to harass or harm others, is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Substance Abuse: Always say ‘NO’ to addictive harmful substances like tobacco, gutka, cigarettes’ beedi, alcohol or illegal drugs. Once a person starts consuming them, he/she starts using them regularly due to strong urge to take them again and again. This is called substance abuse. To stay healthy, it is important to completely avoid these substances.
Our government has launched a National De-addiction Helpline – 14446 to deal with drug addiction and to help drug addicts.
→ Hormones: Hormones are chemicals produced in the body, which bring about changes in the body during adolescence. Hormones play an important role in regulating various aspects of growth and development resulting in the proper functioning of the body.
→ Adolescence: The period of growth and development between childhood and adulthood, typically occurring between the ages of 10-19.
→ Puberty: The stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
→ Hormones: Hormones are chemicals produced by our bodies which regulate various aspects of growth and development, contributing to the proper functioning of the body.
→ Secondary sexual characteristics: Natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood. They mark the onset of puberty and help distinguish males from females.
→ Menstruation: The phase of the menstrual cycle when blood discharge occurs from the body.
→ Menstrual cycle: It recurs generally every 28-30 days and is more commonly known as ‘the period.’
→ Adam’s apple: A bump seen in the throat region of boys is called the Adam’s apple.
→ Acne: A skin condition, in which small, reddish pimples appear.
→ Hygiene: Practices that maintain cleanliness and health, particularly important during adolescence.
→ Nutrients: Substances in food that are needed for growth, development and energy.
→ Balanced diet: It refers to a diet with adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats* vitamins, and minerals.
→ Physical activities:- Activities and exercises that keep your body and mind fit and healthy.
→ Cyberbullying: Involves the use of digital devices such as phones, computers, or online platforms to harass others by sending misleading messages, spreading false rumours, or sharing personal information without consent.
→ Reproduction: The process of producing offsprings of its own kind.
→ Emotional changes: Changes in feelings and mood, which are common during adolescence.
