Human Development – Puberty and Adolescence

LESSON NOTE: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT – PUBERTY

Subject: Basic Science

Class: JSS 1

Term: Second Term

Week: 5

Age: 10 – 12 years

Topic: Human Development – Puberty

Sub-topic: Pubertal Changes, Menstruation, and Personal Care During Puberty

Duration: 40 Minutes


Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Define puberty and state the age range for boys and girls.
  2. Identify physical changes that occur in boys and girls during puberty.
  3. Explain the concept of menstruation and the menstrual cycle.
  4. Define adolescence and mention common concerns at this stage.
  5. Describe personal hygiene practices during puberty.

Keywords

  • Puberty
  • Adolescence
  • Menstruation
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Pubertal changes
  • Hygiene

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

  • Have you noticed any physical changes in yourself or your friends as you grow older?
  • What changes have you observed in boys and girls as they grow into teenagers?
  • Do boys and girls experience the same changes?

The teacher then explains that these changes are due to puberty, a stage of human development.


Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with the concept of growth from previous lessons on human development.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Charts showing physical changes in boys and girls
  • Videos or pictures explaining puberty
  • A diagram of the menstrual cycle
  • Real-life examples from daily experiences

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds students that all humans grow and develop. Just as a baby grows into a child, a child grows into an adolescent before becoming an adult.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Personal Hygiene

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Basic Science Textbook for JSS 1
  • Human Biology for Schools

Instructional Materials

  • Charts displaying male and female pubertal changes
  • Videos or images explaining menstruation
  • Hygiene kits (sanitary pads, deodorants, soap, etc.)

male and female pubertal changes


Content

1. Definition of Puberty

Puberty is the period when boys and girls develop physically and become capable of reproduction. This usually occurs:

  • Girls: Between ages 8 and 13
  • Boys: Between ages 9 and 15

2. Pubertal Changes in Boys

  • Broadening of the chest and shoulders
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Growth of a moustache and beard
  • Growth of hair in the armpit and chest
  • Growth of hair in the pubic region
  • Increase in the size of the genitals (penis and testicles)
  • Rapid increase in height
  • Wet dreams – Involuntary discharge of semen during sleep

3. Pubertal Changes in Girls

  • Increase in breast size
  • Growth of hair in the armpit
  • Widening of hips
  • Rapid increase in height
  • Growth of hair in the pubic region
  • Menstruation begins – A sign that a girl can get pregnant

4. Menstruation

Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the vagina in a female of childbearing age. The first occurrence of menstruation is called menarche.

Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of a woman’s menstruation to the day before her next menstruation.


5. Adolescence

Adolescence is the period between puberty and adulthood, usually between ages 10 and 19. An adolescent is a person going through this stage.


6. Concerns at Adolescence

  1. Self-consciousness – Worrying about appearance.
  2. Struggle for acceptance – Wanting to fit in with friends.
  3. Development of romantic feelings – Attraction to the opposite gender.
  4. Concerns about body size – Worrying about height, weight, or body changes.
  5. Desire for independence – Wanting more freedom.

7. Handling Pubertal Changes (Personal Care During Puberty)

To handle pubertal changes well, adolescents should:

  • Bathe at least once daily to remove sweat and dirt.
  • Wash hands frequently, especially after using the toilet.
  • Keep a tidy appearance by wearing clean clothes.
  • Change sanitary pads regularly during menstruation.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infections.

Evaluation Questions (Fill in the Blanks)

  1. The period of development when boys and girls become capable of reproduction is called ______.
    a) Childhood
    b) Adolescence
    c) Puberty
    d) Adulthood
  2. The first menstrual period in a girl is called ______.
    a) Menopause
    b) Menarche
    c) Ovulation
    d) Puberty
  3. The period between puberty and adulthood is called ______.
    a) Childhood
    b) Adolescence
    c) Adulthood
    d) Menstruation
  4. Which of the following is not a pubertal change in boys?
    a) Deepening of the voice
    b) Growth of breasts
    c) Growth of facial hair
    d) Wet dreams
  5. Bathing at least once daily is an example of ______ during puberty.
    a) Personal hygiene
    b) Growth
    c) Dieting
    d) Exercise

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

  1. What is puberty?
    Puberty is the stage when boys and girls develop physical changes and become capable of reproduction.
  2. At what age does puberty start in girls and boys?
    • Girls: 8 – 13 years
    • Boys: 9 – 15 years
  3. What is menarche?
    Menarche is the first occurrence of menstruation in a girl.
  4. What is menstruation?
    Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the vagina of a female.
  5. Why do boys experience wet dreams?
    Wet dreams occur due to the involuntary release of semen while sleeping.
  6. Why is personal hygiene important during puberty?
    It helps to prevent infections, remove body odor, and maintain cleanliness.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

  1. Define puberty.
  2. Mention four pubertal changes in boys.
  3. List four pubertal changes in girls.
  4. What is menstruation?
  5. What is adolescence?
  6. State three concerns of adolescents.
  7. Mention four personal hygiene practices during puberty.

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson and gives feedback on students’ answers.


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