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:
- Define puberty and state the age range for boys and girls.
- Identify physical changes that occur in boys and girls during puberty.
- Explain the concept of menstruation and the menstrual cycle.
- Define adolescence and mention common concerns at this stage.
- 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.)
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
- Self-consciousness – Worrying about appearance.
- Struggle for acceptance – Wanting to fit in with friends.
- Development of romantic feelings – Attraction to the opposite gender.
- Concerns about body size – Worrying about height, weight, or body changes.
- 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)
- The period of development when boys and girls become capable of reproduction is called ______.
a) Childhood
b) Adolescence
c) Puberty
d) Adulthood - The first menstrual period in a girl is called ______.
a) Menopause
b) Menarche
c) Ovulation
d) Puberty - The period between puberty and adulthood is called ______.
a) Childhood
b) Adolescence
c) Adulthood
d) Menstruation - 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 - 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)
- What is puberty?
Puberty is the stage when boys and girls develop physical changes and become capable of reproduction. - At what age does puberty start in girls and boys?
- Girls: 8 – 13 years
- Boys: 9 – 15 years
- What is menarche?
Menarche is the first occurrence of menstruation in a girl. - What is menstruation?
Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the vagina of a female. - Why do boys experience wet dreams?
Wet dreams occur due to the involuntary release of semen while sleeping. - Why is personal hygiene important during puberty?
It helps to prevent infections, remove body odor, and maintain cleanliness.
Assessment (Evaluation Questions)
- Define puberty.
- Mention four pubertal changes in boys.
- List four pubertal changes in girls.
- What is menstruation?
- What is adolescence?
- State three concerns of adolescents.
- Mention four personal hygiene practices during puberty.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson and gives feedback on students’ answers.
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