Class 7 Science Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change

Class 7 Science Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change

Chapter 6: Adolescence – A Stage of Growth and Change

Introduction

Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. It is marked by rapid physical, emotional, and mental changes, along with the development of reproductive maturity.

1. Physical Changes in Adolescence

  • Growth spurts: Rapid increase in height and weight
  • Secondary sexual characteristics:
    • Boys: Facial hair, deeper voice, broader shoulders
    • Girls: Breast development, wider hips, menstruation begins
  • Body changes: Hair growth in armpits and pubic region

2. Emotional and Mental Changes

  • Mood swings
  • Desire for independence
  • Increased curiosity about relationships and society
  • Developing reasoning and decision-making abilities

3. Reproductive Health

  • Puberty triggers sexual maturity
  • Hormones control physical changes
  • Importance of hygiene and healthy habits

4. Nutrition and Lifestyle

  • Balanced diet with proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports growth
  • Regular exercise strengthens muscles and bones
  • Adequate sleep is essential
  • Avoid junk food, alcohol, and drugs

5. Key Points to Remember

  • Adolescence occurs roughly between 10–19 years
  • Changes are gradual and individual differences exist
  • Physical, emotional, and mental health is equally important
  • Awareness about reproductive health promotes safe habits

Questions – Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change

1. Very Short Answer (1 mark)

  1. Define adolescence.
  2. Name one physical change in boys during adolescence.
  3. Name one physical change in girls during adolescence.
  4. Why is balanced nutrition important during adolescence?
  5. Give one example of secondary sexual characteristics.
  6. Name one emotional change during adolescence.
  7. At what age does adolescence typically begin?
  8. Give one reason why exercise is important in adolescence.
  9. What is puberty?
  10. Name one hygiene practice important during adolescence.

2. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

  1. Which hormone triggers puberty?
    a) Insulin
    b) Adrenaline
    c) Sex hormones
    d) Thyroxine
  2. Secondary sexual characteristics appear during:
    a) Childhood
    b) Adolescence
    c) Old age
    d) Infancy
  3. Adolescents need a diet rich in:
    a) Proteins, vitamins, and minerals
    b) Junk food
    c) Only fats
    d) Only carbohydrates
  4. Menstruation begins in:
    a) Boys
    b) Girls
    c) Both boys and girls
    d) None
  5. Which of the following is essential for growth during adolescence?
    a) Balanced diet
    b) Regular exercise
    c) Adequate sleep
    d) All of the above

3. Fill in the Blanks

  1. Adolescence is the period between __________ and __________.
  2. Boys develop __________ and a deeper voice during adolescence.
  3. Girls develop __________ and wider hips during adolescence.
  4. Hormones control __________ changes.
  5. Puberty is the stage of __________ maturity.

4. True/False Type

  1. Adolescence is only about physical growth. (True/False)
  2. Emotional changes are common during adolescence. (True/False)
  3. Junk food supports healthy growth during adolescence. (True/False)
  4. Puberty marks sexual maturity. (True/False)
  5. Adequate sleep is important during adolescence. (True/False)

5. Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks)

  1. Name three physical changes in boys during adolescence.
  2. Name three physical changes in girls during adolescence.
  3. Why is exercise important during adolescence?
  4. Give two emotional changes common in adolescents.
  5. Why is awareness of reproductive health important?

6. Long Answer Questions (4–5 marks)

  1. Explain the physical, emotional, and mental changes that occur during adolescence.
  2. Describe the role of hormones in adolescence.
  3. Discuss the importance of nutrition, exercise, and sleep during adolescence.
  4. Explain secondary sexual characteristics with examples in boys and girls.
  5. How can adolescents maintain personal hygiene and health during this stage?

7. Higher-Order Thinking (HOT) & Application

  1. Why do adolescents experience mood swings? Explain with reference to hormonal changes.
  2. Suggest ways to maintain physical and emotional health during adolescence.
  3. Explain why individual differences exist in the timing of adolescence.

8. Passage-Based Questions

Read the passage and answer:
Adolescence is a stage of growth and change. Boys and girls develop secondary sexual characteristics. Hormones control changes. Balanced nutrition, exercise, and sleep help healthy growth. Awareness of hygiene and reproductive health is essential.

  1. Name two secondary sexual characteristics in boys and girls.
  2. What role do hormones play during adolescence?
  3. Why is balanced nutrition important?
  4. Name one practice that promotes hygiene during adolescence.

Answer Key – Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change

1. Very Short Answer

  1. The period between childhood and adulthood
  2. Facial hair, deeper voice, broader shoulders
  3. Breast development, wider hips, menstruation begins
  4. Supports proper growth and development
  5. Facial hair, breast development
  6. Mood swings
  7. 10–19 years
  8. Strengthens muscles and bones
  9. Stage of sexual maturity
  10. Daily bathing, washing hands, brushing teeth

2. MCQ Answers

  1. c) Sex hormones
  2. b) Adolescence
  3. a) Proteins, vitamins, and minerals
  4. b) Girls
  5. d) All of the above

3. Fill in the Blanks

  1. childhood, adulthood
  2. facial hair
  3. breasts
  4. physical
  5. sexual

4. True/False

  1. False
  2. True
  3. False
  4. True
  5. True

5. Short Answer

  1. Facial hair, deeper voice, broader shoulders
  2. Breast development, menstruation, wider hips
  3. Improves strength, stamina, and overall health
  4. Mood swings, desire for independence
  5. Helps make safe and informed choices

6. Long Answer

  1. Physical: growth spurts, secondary sexual characteristics; Emotional: mood swings, independence; Mental: reasoning, decision-making
  2. Hormones control growth, sexual maturity, and physical changes
  3. Nutrition: proteins, vitamins, minerals; Exercise: muscles and bones; Sleep: recovery and growth
  4. Boys – facial hair, deeper voice; Girls – breast development, menstruation
  5. Personal hygiene: bathing, brushing teeth, clean clothes, washing hands

7. HOT & Application

  1. Mood swings occur due to hormonal changes affecting emotions
  2. Balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, meditation, and hygiene
  3. Genetics and environmental factors cause individual differences in timing

8. Passage-Based

  1. Boys: facial hair, deeper voice; Girls: breast development, menstruation
  2. Hormones control physical and sexual changes
  3. Supports growth, development, and energy
  4. Daily bathing, washing hands