Chapter 6: Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
7th StandardScience
Chapter Summary
Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change - Chapter Summary
# Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
## Overview
This chapter introduces students to the stage of adolescence—a phase of rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur between childhood and adulthood (typically between 10–19 years). The chapter covers secondary sexual characteristics, menstruation, emotional behaviour, importance of nutrition and hygiene, and the need for responsible choices during this transformative period.
---
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. Understanding Adolescence
- Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood (10–19 years).
- Major changes include physical growth (height, weight), development of reproductive capability, and emotional shifts.
- Each individual experiences adolescence differently—variations in timing and extent of changes are natural.
### 2. Observable Physical Changes
- **Increase in Height and Body Structure**
- Boys: broader shoulders, wider chest.
- Girls: development of breasts, body shape changes.
- **Voice Changes**
- Boys develop a deeper, hoarse voice due to growth of the voice box (Adam’s apple).
- Girls experience slight voice changes.
- **Hair Growth**
- Hair appears in armpits and pubic areas.
- Boys also develop facial and body hair.
- **Acne and Pimples**
- Caused by increased oil secretion and clogged pores during adolescence.
### 3. Secondary Sexual Characteristics
- Physical features not directly involved in reproduction but distinguish male and female bodies (e.g., facial hair, breast development).
- Indicate the beginning of puberty.
### 4. Internal Changes and Reproductive Capability
- Girls begin menstruation (periods)—a natural monthly cycle that may cause temporary discomfort.
- Menstrual cycle generally occurs every 28–30 days.
- Puberty marks the body’s ability to reproduce.
> **Myth Buster**: Menstruation is natural; isolating menstruating girls due to myths has no scientific basis.
---
### 5. Emotional and Behavioural Changes
- Adolescents experience mood swings, increased sensitivity, curiosity, and strong emotions.
- Behavioural changes may include:
- Social involvement
- Desire for independence
- Exploring new ideas and creativity
> **Suggested Coping Strategies**:
> - Engage in music, sports, or hobbies
> - Practice self-reflection
> - Seek guidance from elders or peers
---
### 6. Making Adolescence a Joyful and Healthy Journey
#### A. Nutritional Needs
- A balanced diet is essential: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins (especially iron, B12), and minerals.
- Sources:
- Milk, paneer, curd → Calcium, protein
- Spinach, raisins → Iron
- Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, especially in girls.
#### B. Personal Hygiene
- Body hygiene prevents infections.
- Menstrual hygiene:
- Use of sanitary/reusable pads
- Proper disposal methods (e.g., wrap and bin)
- Availability through government schemes (MHS, RKSK, Suvidha Initiative)
#### C. Physical Activity
- Regular exercise builds stamina, fitness, and mental well-being.
#### D. Balanced Social Life and Responsible Online Behaviour
- Be polite, respectful, and mindful on social media.
- Avoid cyberbullying and unsafe online practices.
- Always ask elders before sharing pictures or information online.
> **Activity Suggestion**: Create posters on digital responsibility.
#### E. Avoiding Harmful Substances
- Adolescents may be tempted to try tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
- These are addictive and harm health (lung damage, memory loss, etc.).
- Saying “NO” from the start is crucial.
> **Govt. Initiatives**:
> - Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
> - National De-addiction Helpline: 14446
---
### 7. Why Do These Changes Occur?
- All these changes are controlled by hormones—chemical messengers in the body.
- Hormones affect growth, mood, behaviour, and development.
- Produced by glands and triggered by brain signals.
---
## New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|----------------------------|------------|
| Adolescence | Period of growth between childhood and adulthood (10–19 years) |
| Puberty | Stage of becoming capable of reproduction |
| Menstruation | Monthly blood discharge in girls indicating reproductive capability |
| Secondary sexual characteristics | Physical features distinguishing males and females, not directly involved in reproduction |
| Hormones | Chemical messengers controlling body functions |
| Acne | Skin condition causing pimples during adolescence |
| Adam’s apple | Throat bump in boys due to enlarged voice box |
| Substance abuse | Repeated use of harmful drugs or chemicals |
| Cyberbullying | Using technology to harm or harass others |
| Balanced diet | Food with all necessary nutrients for growth |
---
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **What is adolescence?**
- *Answer*: It is the stage between childhood and adulthood, usually between 10 to 19 years.
- *Explanation*: This stage involves many physical and emotional changes.
2. **What is menstruation?**
- *Answer*: It is a monthly discharge of blood in girls and women.
- *Explanation*: It marks the beginning of reproductive capability.
3. **Name two food items rich in calcium.**
- *Answer*: Milk and paneer.
- *Explanation*: These help in bone growth and strength.
### Medium (2)
4. **List two emotional changes that adolescents may experience.**
- *Answer*: Mood swings and increased sensitivity.
- *Explanation*: These are due to hormonal changes and are a part of growing up.
5. **What is a secondary sexual characteristic? Give one example.**
- *Answer*: A feature that distinguishes males from females but isn’t directly related to reproduction; e.g., facial hair in boys.
- *Explanation*: These appear during puberty.
### Difficult (3)
6. **Why do boys' voices become hoarse during adolescence?**
- *Answer*: Due to growth of the voice box (larynx), forming the Adam’s apple.
- *Explanation*: This structural change deepens the voice.
7. **How can adolescents maintain menstrual hygiene?**
- *Answer*: By using clean sanitary pads, changing them regularly, and disposing of them properly.
- *Explanation*: Helps avoid infections and promotes comfort.
8. **What are the harmful effects of substance abuse during adolescence?**
- *Answer*: Breathing issues, memory loss, and lung damage.
- *Explanation*: Harmful substances damage the brain and body and can cause addiction.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **How do hormones regulate changes during adolescence?**
- *Answer*: Hormones are released in response to brain signals and control growth, mood, and reproduction.
- *Explanation*: These act like messengers that instruct the body to grow and mature.
10. **Compare and contrast emotional and physical changes in adolescence.**
- *Answer*: Emotional changes include mood swings, sensitivity; physical changes include height growth, voice change.
- *Explanation*: Both are caused by hormonal activity but affect the body and mind differently.
---
## Overview
This chapter introduces students to the stage of adolescence—a phase of rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur between childhood and adulthood (typically between 10–19 years). The chapter covers secondary sexual characteristics, menstruation, emotional behaviour, importance of nutrition and hygiene, and the need for responsible choices during this transformative period.
---
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. Understanding Adolescence
- Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood (10–19 years).
- Major changes include physical growth (height, weight), development of reproductive capability, and emotional shifts.
- Each individual experiences adolescence differently—variations in timing and extent of changes are natural.
### 2. Observable Physical Changes
- **Increase in Height and Body Structure**
- Boys: broader shoulders, wider chest.
- Girls: development of breasts, body shape changes.
- **Voice Changes**
- Boys develop a deeper, hoarse voice due to growth of the voice box (Adam’s apple).
- Girls experience slight voice changes.
- **Hair Growth**
- Hair appears in armpits and pubic areas.
- Boys also develop facial and body hair.
- **Acne and Pimples**
- Caused by increased oil secretion and clogged pores during adolescence.
### 3. Secondary Sexual Characteristics
- Physical features not directly involved in reproduction but distinguish male and female bodies (e.g., facial hair, breast development).
- Indicate the beginning of puberty.
### 4. Internal Changes and Reproductive Capability
- Girls begin menstruation (periods)—a natural monthly cycle that may cause temporary discomfort.
- Menstrual cycle generally occurs every 28–30 days.
- Puberty marks the body’s ability to reproduce.
> **Myth Buster**: Menstruation is natural; isolating menstruating girls due to myths has no scientific basis.
---
### 5. Emotional and Behavioural Changes
- Adolescents experience mood swings, increased sensitivity, curiosity, and strong emotions.
- Behavioural changes may include:
- Social involvement
- Desire for independence
- Exploring new ideas and creativity
> **Suggested Coping Strategies**:
> - Engage in music, sports, or hobbies
> - Practice self-reflection
> - Seek guidance from elders or peers
---
### 6. Making Adolescence a Joyful and Healthy Journey
#### A. Nutritional Needs
- A balanced diet is essential: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins (especially iron, B12), and minerals.
- Sources:
- Milk, paneer, curd → Calcium, protein
- Spinach, raisins → Iron
- Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, especially in girls.
#### B. Personal Hygiene
- Body hygiene prevents infections.
- Menstrual hygiene:
- Use of sanitary/reusable pads
- Proper disposal methods (e.g., wrap and bin)
- Availability through government schemes (MHS, RKSK, Suvidha Initiative)
#### C. Physical Activity
- Regular exercise builds stamina, fitness, and mental well-being.
#### D. Balanced Social Life and Responsible Online Behaviour
- Be polite, respectful, and mindful on social media.
- Avoid cyberbullying and unsafe online practices.
- Always ask elders before sharing pictures or information online.
> **Activity Suggestion**: Create posters on digital responsibility.
#### E. Avoiding Harmful Substances
- Adolescents may be tempted to try tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
- These are addictive and harm health (lung damage, memory loss, etc.).
- Saying “NO” from the start is crucial.
> **Govt. Initiatives**:
> - Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
> - National De-addiction Helpline: 14446
---
### 7. Why Do These Changes Occur?
- All these changes are controlled by hormones—chemical messengers in the body.
- Hormones affect growth, mood, behaviour, and development.
- Produced by glands and triggered by brain signals.
---
## New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|----------------------------|------------|
| Adolescence | Period of growth between childhood and adulthood (10–19 years) |
| Puberty | Stage of becoming capable of reproduction |
| Menstruation | Monthly blood discharge in girls indicating reproductive capability |
| Secondary sexual characteristics | Physical features distinguishing males and females, not directly involved in reproduction |
| Hormones | Chemical messengers controlling body functions |
| Acne | Skin condition causing pimples during adolescence |
| Adam’s apple | Throat bump in boys due to enlarged voice box |
| Substance abuse | Repeated use of harmful drugs or chemicals |
| Cyberbullying | Using technology to harm or harass others |
| Balanced diet | Food with all necessary nutrients for growth |
---
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **What is adolescence?**
- *Answer*: It is the stage between childhood and adulthood, usually between 10 to 19 years.
- *Explanation*: This stage involves many physical and emotional changes.
2. **What is menstruation?**
- *Answer*: It is a monthly discharge of blood in girls and women.
- *Explanation*: It marks the beginning of reproductive capability.
3. **Name two food items rich in calcium.**
- *Answer*: Milk and paneer.
- *Explanation*: These help in bone growth and strength.
### Medium (2)
4. **List two emotional changes that adolescents may experience.**
- *Answer*: Mood swings and increased sensitivity.
- *Explanation*: These are due to hormonal changes and are a part of growing up.
5. **What is a secondary sexual characteristic? Give one example.**
- *Answer*: A feature that distinguishes males from females but isn’t directly related to reproduction; e.g., facial hair in boys.
- *Explanation*: These appear during puberty.
### Difficult (3)
6. **Why do boys' voices become hoarse during adolescence?**
- *Answer*: Due to growth of the voice box (larynx), forming the Adam’s apple.
- *Explanation*: This structural change deepens the voice.
7. **How can adolescents maintain menstrual hygiene?**
- *Answer*: By using clean sanitary pads, changing them regularly, and disposing of them properly.
- *Explanation*: Helps avoid infections and promotes comfort.
8. **What are the harmful effects of substance abuse during adolescence?**
- *Answer*: Breathing issues, memory loss, and lung damage.
- *Explanation*: Harmful substances damage the brain and body and can cause addiction.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **How do hormones regulate changes during adolescence?**
- *Answer*: Hormones are released in response to brain signals and control growth, mood, and reproduction.
- *Explanation*: These act like messengers that instruct the body to grow and mature.
10. **Compare and contrast emotional and physical changes in adolescence.**
- *Answer*: Emotional changes include mood swings, sensitivity; physical changes include height growth, voice change.
- *Explanation*: Both are caused by hormonal activity but affect the body and mind differently.
---
Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Overview
This chapter introduces students to the stage of adolescence—a phase of rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur between childhood and adulthood (typically between 10–19 years). The chapter covers secondary sexual characteristics, menstruation, emotional behaviour, importance of nutrition and hygiene, and the need for responsible choices during this transformative period.
Key Topics Covered
1. Understanding Adolescence
- Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood (10–19 years).
- Major changes include physical growth (height, weight), development of reproductive capability, and emotional shifts.
- Each individual experiences adolescence differently—variations in timing and extent of changes are natural.
2. Observable Physical Changes
-
Increase in Height and Body Structure
- Boys: broader shoulders, wider chest.
- Girls: development of breasts, body shape changes.
-
Voice Changes
- Boys develop a deeper, hoarse voice due to growth of the voice box (Adam’s apple).
- Girls experience slight voice changes.
-
Hair Growth
- Hair appears in armpits and pubic areas.
- Boys also develop facial and body hair.
-
Acne and Pimples
- Caused by increased oil secretion and clogged pores during adolescence.
3. Secondary Sexual Characteristics
- Physical features not directly involved in reproduction but distinguish male and female bodies (e.g., facial hair, breast development).
- Indicate the beginning of puberty.
4. Internal Changes and Reproductive Capability
- Girls begin menstruation (periods)—a natural monthly cycle that may cause temporary discomfort.
- Menstrual cycle generally occurs every 28–30 days.
- Puberty marks the body’s ability to reproduce.
Myth Buster: Menstruation is natural; isolating menstruating girls due to myths has no scientific basis.
5. Emotional and Behavioural Changes
- Adolescents experience mood swings, increased sensitivity, curiosity, and strong emotions.
- Behavioural changes may include:
- Social involvement
- Desire for independence
- Exploring new ideas and creativity
Suggested Coping Strategies:
- Engage in music, sports, or hobbies
- Practice self-reflection
- Seek guidance from elders or peers
6. Making Adolescence a Joyful and Healthy Journey
A. Nutritional Needs
- A balanced diet is essential: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins (especially iron, B12), and minerals.
- Sources:
- Milk, paneer, curd → Calcium, protein
- Spinach, raisins → Iron
- Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, especially in girls.
B. Personal Hygiene
- Body hygiene prevents infections.
- Menstrual hygiene:
- Use of sanitary/reusable pads
- Proper disposal methods (e.g., wrap and bin)
- Availability through government schemes (MHS, RKSK, Suvidha Initiative)
C. Physical Activity
- Regular exercise builds stamina, fitness, and mental well-being.
D. Balanced Social Life and Responsible Online Behaviour
- Be polite, respectful, and mindful on social media.
- Avoid cyberbullying and unsafe online practices.
- Always ask elders before sharing pictures or information online.
Activity Suggestion: Create posters on digital responsibility.
E. Avoiding Harmful Substances
- Adolescents may be tempted to try tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
- These are addictive and harm health (lung damage, memory loss, etc.).
- Saying “NO” from the start is crucial.
Govt. Initiatives:
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
- National De-addiction Helpline: 14446
7. Why Do These Changes Occur?
- All these changes are controlled by hormones—chemical messengers in the body.
- Hormones affect growth, mood, behaviour, and development.
- Produced by glands and triggered by brain signals.
New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adolescence | Period of growth between childhood and adulthood (10–19 years) |
| Puberty | Stage of becoming capable of reproduction |
| Menstruation | Monthly blood discharge in girls indicating reproductive capability |
| Secondary sexual characteristics | Physical features distinguishing males and females, not directly involved in reproduction |
| Hormones | Chemical messengers controlling body functions |
| Acne | Skin condition causing pimples during adolescence |
| Adam’s apple | Throat bump in boys due to enlarged voice box |
| Substance abuse | Repeated use of harmful drugs or chemicals |
| Cyberbullying | Using technology to harm or harass others |
| Balanced diet | Food with all necessary nutrients for growth |
Practice Questions
Easy (3)
-
What is adolescence?
- Answer: It is the stage between childhood and adulthood, usually between 10 to 19 years.
- Explanation: This stage involves many physical and emotional changes.
-
What is menstruation?
- Answer: It is a monthly discharge of blood in girls and women.
- Explanation: It marks the beginning of reproductive capability.
-
Name two food items rich in calcium.
- Answer: Milk and paneer.
- Explanation: These help in bone growth and strength.
Medium (2)
-
List two emotional changes that adolescents may experience.
- Answer: Mood swings and increased sensitivity.
- Explanation: These are due to hormonal changes and are a part of growing up.
-
What is a secondary sexual characteristic? Give one example.
- Answer: A feature that distinguishes males from females but isn’t directly related to reproduction; e.g., facial hair in boys.
- Explanation: These appear during puberty.
Difficult (3)
-
Why do boys' voices become hoarse during adolescence?
- Answer: Due to growth of the voice box (larynx), forming the Adam’s apple.
- Explanation: This structural change deepens the voice.
-
How can adolescents maintain menstrual hygiene?
- Answer: By using clean sanitary pads, changing them regularly, and disposing of them properly.
- Explanation: Helps avoid infections and promotes comfort.
-
What are the harmful effects of substance abuse during adolescence?
- Answer: Breathing issues, memory loss, and lung damage.
- Explanation: Harmful substances damage the brain and body and can cause addiction.
Very Difficult (2)
-
How do hormones regulate changes during adolescence?
- Answer: Hormones are released in response to brain signals and control growth, mood, and reproduction.
- Explanation: These act like messengers that instruct the body to grow and mature.
-
Compare and contrast emotional and physical changes in adolescence.
- Answer: Emotional changes include mood swings, sensitivity; physical changes include height growth, voice change.
- Explanation: Both are caused by hormonal activity but affect the body and mind differently.