Pupils should be taught to:
• describe the changes as humans develop to old age.
Pupils learn that puberty is the name given to the changes that happen to our bodies as we grow from children into adults. They learn that these changes include things that we can see as our bodies grow and change, and things that we cannot see that can affect our moods and emotions and that these changes, although they happen to everyone, can affect each individual differently. They learn that puberty can start as early as 8 years old and is usually over by the time we reach 15. Children are given a series of images with statements which define the different kinds of changes which occur during puberty (including physical and emotional). They are asked to sort these images into four different groups, rearranging them each time and discussing their choices with their partner.
View ResourceA PowerPoint presentation used to introduce pupils to puberty and the changes that can or will occur to both boys and girls as they grow and develop through puberty. The PowerPoint can be used at the beginning of the topic or during it to stimulate scientific discussions, ideas and theories.
View ResourcePupils cut out pictures that show the changes that can happen to people as they get older. Pupils place these pictures into a timeline and try to explain the changes that are occurring.
Pupils learn what does the term ‘gestation period’ means? They learn that different animals have different gestation periods.
Cut and paste the animals into their correct place in the ‘gestation’ table.
Pupils learn that the length of time in the womb for humans and other mammals varies considerably, based mostly upon size. The length of time a mammal is pregnant is called the gestation period. Pupils order a selection of animals according to the length of their gestation periods (a cut and paste activity) and then place these results into a bar graph.
Pupils learn about the changes, both physical and emotional, that affect boys only, girls only and both boys and girls. They learn that some of these changes, mainly the physical, are experienced by all those going through puberty, while some emotional changes can affect individuals differently - or not at all!
Pupils learn about the changes, both physical and emotional, that affect both boys and girls as they experience puberty and their body's change from that of a child into that of a young adult.
Pupils produce a 'disc' to help them explain the changes that happens to humans as they grow and change.