Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change — Class 7 Science
Curiosity · Chapter 6
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7- Mathematics
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- Space weighted by chapter size
- Charts from the book's own data
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2- Mathematics
- Social Science
- Space weighted by chapter size
- Charts from the book's own data
- Traps corrected
- Space weighted by chapter size
- Charts from the book's own data
- Traps corrected
Chapter summary
Key ideas & terms
- Adolescence
- The stage of rapid growth and development between childhood and adulthood, generally between about 10 and 19 years of age.
- Puberty
- The stage in which the body undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
- Secondary sexual characteristics
- Features that help distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction, such as facial hair or development of breasts.
- Menstrual cycle
- The natural cycle in girls that recurs about every 28 to 30 days; the bleeding phase is called menstruation.
- Hormones
- Chemicals produced in the body and released in response to brain signals that control growth, development, and many adolescent changes.
- Substance abuse
- The harmful and addictive habit of regularly consuming substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
Extra questions & answers
What is adolescence and roughly when does it occur?
Adolescence is the period of rapid growth and development between childhood and adulthood, generally occurring between the ages of about 10 and 19.
What causes the change in voice during adolescence, especially in boys?
The growth of the voice box leads to a hoarse, deeper voice; in boys this growth shows as a bump in the throat called the Adam's apple.
Why does acne appear during adolescence?
Acne occurs due to an increase in oily secretions from the skin, which can clog the skin pores and lead to infections, producing pimples.
What are secondary sexual characteristics?
They are features such as facial hair in boys and development of breasts in girls that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction.
What is puberty?
Puberty is the stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
What is the menstrual cycle and how often does it usually recur?
The menstrual cycle is an internal reproductive change in girls that usually recurs every 28 to 30 days; the bleeding phase is called menstruation.
Why is it important to break myths about menstruation?
Because menstruation is a natural, healthy process; myths and taboos such as physical isolation have no scientific basis and harm the well-being of girls.
Name three habits that help make adolescence healthy and joyful.
A balanced nutritious diet, good personal and menstrual hygiene, and regular physical activity (plus a balanced social life and saying NO to harmful substances).
Why should adolescents say NO to substances like tobacco and alcohol?
These substances harm physical and mental health and are addictive, leading to substance abuse and serious health problems.
What controls most of the changes that occur during adolescence?
The changes are mainly controlled by chemicals called hormones, which are produced in the body and released in response to signals from the brain.
Let Us Enhance Our Learning
1. Ramesh, an 11-year-old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body. (i) What could be the possible reasons for the development of these pimples on his face?
Ramesh is entering adolescence. During this stage hormones cause the skin to produce more oil. This excess oil can clog skin pores and bacteria can infect the clogged pores, leading to a skin condition called acne which appears as small reddish pimples, commonly on the face.
1. Ramesh, an 11-year-old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body. (ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?
He should wash his face regularly with clean water and mild soap, avoid touching or squeezing the pimples, keep his skin clean, eat a balanced diet, drink enough water, and consult a doctor or trusted adult if the acne is severe. Maintaining good personal hygiene and not using harsh creams without advice will help.
2. Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why? (i)
The better option is the food group that provides a balanced, nutritious diet for growth - such as milk, millets, curd, cheese, paneer, pulses, green leafy vegetables, fruits, kidney beans, spinach and dried fruits. These give proteins for growth and strength, calcium for optimal bone growth, iron for formation of blood, carbohydrates and fats for energy, and vitamins and minerals for overall development. Fried or junk foods high in excess fat, salt and sugar are not a good regular option because they do not provide these nutrients and can harm health.
2. Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why? (ii)
The other group shown, which typically contains deep-fried, sugary or packaged junk foods, is not a better option. Such foods provide a lot of empty calories but lack adequate proteins, vitamins, minerals like calcium and iron, and fibre needed during the rapid growth of adolescence. Adolescents need a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, so the nutritious food group is preferred.
3. Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences: (i) The discharge of blood in adolescent girls which generally occurs every 28–30 days is nstmnoiaretu.
The unscrambled word is menstruation. Menstruation is the discharge of blood from the body for three to seven days as part of the menstrual cycle, which generally repeats every 28–30 days.
3. Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences: (ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged iceov xob.
The unscrambled word is voice box. In adolescent boys the voice box grows larger, sometimes seen as the Adam’s apple in the throat, which makes the voice sound hoarse and deeper.
3. Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences: (iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of urtypeb.
The unscrambled word is puberty. Puberty is the stage when the body undergoes external and internal changes to become capable of reproduction, and secondary sexual characteristics appear at this time.
3. Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences: (iv) We should say NO to lahoclo and srugd as they are addictive.
The unscrambled words are alcohol and drugs. They are harmful, addictive substances that damage physical and mental health and should be strictly avoided.
4. Shalu told her friend, “Adolescence brings only physical changes, like growing taller or developing body hair.” Is she correct? What would you change in this description of adolescence?
No, Shalu is not correct. Adolescence brings not only physical changes like increase in height, weight, change in voice, development of breasts, growth of facial, pubic and underarm hair and pimples, but also internal changes related to reproductive capability such as maturation of reproductive organs and onset of menstrual cycle in girls, and emotional and behavioural changes like mood swings, stronger emotions, increased sensitivity, self-exploration and greater interest in new activities. I would add these biological, emotional and behavioural aspects to make the description complete.
5. During a discussion in the class, some of the students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points? (i) Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.
I would ask: Do adolescents not experience mood swings, stronger emotions and increased sensitivity? Do these emotions not influence behaviour and decision making? Does understanding emotions not help in making better choices and responding thoughtfully? Is guidance from elders, teachers and peers not needed to channel these changes positively through music, sports, social work and creative activities?
5. During a discussion in the class, some of the students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points? (ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.
I would ask: Are tobacco, alcohol, gutka, cigarettes, beedi and drugs not addictive? Does trying them just once not create a strong urge to take them again and again leading to substance abuse? Can they be stopped easily after addiction? Do they not cause serious health problems like breathing difficulty, lung damage and memory loss? Is learning to say NO the first time and every time not necessary?
6. Adolescents sometimes experience mood swings. On some days, they feel very energetic and happy, while on other days, they may feel low. What other behavioural changes are associated with this age?
Other changes include experiencing stronger emotions, increased sensitivity, self-exploration and search for identity, heightened curiosity and excitement, developing deeper interest in new areas, becoming more creative and innovative, wanting to take part in social initiatives to help the needy, being more influenced by peers, and spending more time interacting with friends, both in person and on social media. These are normal and can be channelled positively with support.
7. While using a toilet, Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. She got upset and shared her feelings with her friends. They discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?
I would suggest: maintain personal hygiene especially of armpits and pubic region, use clean sanitary pads or reusable cloth pads during menstruation and change them regularly, wash hands before and after, ensure availability of pads in schools and public places, wrap used pads in newspaper and dispose them properly inside a dustbin and not scatter or flush them, use biodegradable pads where possible to protect the environment, and talk openly to remove stigma and support government initiatives for menstrual hygiene.
8. Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor who gave her medication and asked to take iodine-rich diet. Similarly, a bump was developed on the front of Manoj’s neck when he turned 12. However, the doctor told him that it was a part of growing up. According to you, what could be the possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently?
Manoj’s bump is the Adam’s apple, the enlarged voice box that appears in adolescent boys due to normal growth during puberty and causes voice change. It is a normal secondary sexual characteristic and needs no treatment. Mary’s bulge at age 11 is likely due to swelling of the thyroid gland, which can happen due to iodine deficiency, and therefore the doctor prescribed medicine and an iodine-rich diet. The causes and nature of the two swellings are different, so advice was different.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (i) Change in voice
Change in voice is common in boys and girls, but it is much more prominent in boys due to greater growth of the voice box. So it can be placed in Common in boys and girls, with more noticeable effect in boys.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (ii) Development of breasts
Development of breasts is Observed only in girls. It is a secondary sexual characteristic in girls.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (iii) Growth of moustache
Growth of moustache is Observed only in boys. It is facial hair growth that later becomes beard.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (iv) Growth of facial hair
Growth of facial hair including beard and sometimes chest and back hair is Observed only in boys, though extent and timing vary among individuals.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (v) Pimples on the face
Pimples on the face due to acne from increased oil secretion is Common in boys and girls during adolescence.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (vi) Growth of hair in the pubic region
Growth of hair in the pubic region is Common in boys and girls.
9. During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below. Categorise these changes in the table given below: (vii) Growth of hair in armpits
Growth of hair in armpits is Common in boys and girls.
10. Prepare a poster mentioning the tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle.
Poster Title: Healthy Adolescence - Your Journey to Adulthood. Tips: 1. Eat a balanced nutritious diet with proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals from milk, millets, pulses, fruits and green vegetables. 2. Maintain personal and menstrual hygiene, use clean sanitary pads and dispose them properly. 3. Exercise regularly, play sports and do yoga for a fit body and mind. 4. Be polite, respectful and mindful online and offline, protect privacy and avoid cyberbullying, seek guidance from elders and teachers. 5. Say NO to tobacco, alcohol, gutka, cigarettes, beedi and drugs - they are addictive and harmful. 6. Understand emotional changes, manage mood swings through music, dance, sports and creative activities, and talk to trusted adults when needed. 7. Stay curious, keep learning and make responsible choices.