Master Chapter 6 Class 7 - Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change (Curiosi with comprehensive NCERT Solutions, Practice Questions, MCQs, Sample Papers, Case Based Questions, and Video lessons.
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Welcome to Chapter 6. Our scientific journey so far has taken us through the world of materials, from acids and electricity to metals and chemical reactions. Now, we turn that scientific lens from the world around us to the world within us.
We begin by remembering a fundamental truth from our studies in Grade 6: all living things grow and change. A plant's journey begins with a tiny seed. With nourishment, that seed becomes a sapling, which matures into a young plant, and eventually, it develops the flowers and fruits that contain new seeds .
This journey has a critical rule: a seedling cannot produce its own seeds right after it germinates. It must first grow and mature .
Humans, like all animals, follow this same fundamental rule. We are not born as miniature adults. We must also grow and develop. Our journey of life takes us through several distinct stages: from infancy to childhood, then to adolescence, into adulthood, and finally, old age.
For the first 10 or 12 years of our lives, most of the changes we experience are related to growing taller and heavier. But then, something new begins. We enter a period of rapid growth and development that is more dramatic and transformative than any other stage of our lives.
This special period, the bridge between being a child and becoming an adult, is called adolescence. It typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 19. This chapter is a complete exploration of this fascinating, exciting, and sometimes confusing stage of growth and change.
Our exploration begins with a simple, familiar story. Venkatesh is visiting his relatives. When his 12-year-old cousin, Devyani, comes to greet him, they are both surprised by what they see. "You have become so tall, Devyani!" he says. She replies, "Venkatesh, you have a thin moustache now!! Your voice has also changed!" .
This is the experience of adolescence. It is a time when the body begins a profound transformation, preparing for adulthood. This process of maturation is known as puberty. We will investigate all the changes that happen during this time, starting with the most obvious physical ones.
You have probably noticed these changes in yourself or your older friends and classmates. We will learn that while these changes happen to everyone, their timing and extent are different for each person—and these variations are completely normal .
A Sudden Increase in Height: This is one of the most prominent signs. During adolescence, there is a rapid "growth spurt" in height.
Changes in Body Structure: The body shape begins to change. We will see how boys' shoulders typically become broader and their chests wider, while girls also experience changes in height, weight, and body shape, including the development of breasts .
A New Voice: We will investigate what happens to the voice, especially in boys. We will learn that the voice box (larynx) grows, sometimes becoming visible as a bump in the throat called the Adam's apple. This growth causes the voice to become deeper and sometimes "crack" or sound hoarse as it changes.
New Hair Growth: Hair begins to appear in new parts of the body for both boys and girls, such as the armpits and the pubic region. Boys also begin to develop facial hair—a moustache and beard.
Skin Changes: We will look at the common challenge of acne and pimples. We will learn that these are caused by an increase in oily secretions from the skin during this stage, which can clog pores .
All these outward changes—the ones we can see—that help to distinguish males from females are called secondary sexual characteristics. They are the natural signs that the body is beginning to mature.
Adolescence is not just about the changes we can see. There are also crucial internal changes as the body develops the capability for reproduction.
The most important internal change for adolescent girls is the onset of the menstrual cycle, commonly known as "the period" .
We will learn that this is a natural, normal process and one of the key signs of good reproductive health.
We will explore what menstruation is: a discharge of blood from the body that typically lasts for three to seven days and recurs in a cycle of about 21 to 35 days.
Most importantly, we will confront the myths and taboos that surround menstruation. This chapter will state clearly that there is no scientific basis for any of these harmful or fearful beliefs .
This journey of adolescence is exciting, but it can also be confusing. You might have a lot of questions about all these new physical and emotional changes. This is where Teachoo is here to help. We are dedicated to explaining every part of this natural process—from the science of hormones to the importance of menstrual hygiene—with clear, sensitive, and straightforward answers. We help you understand exactly what is happening to your body so you can navigate this stage with confidence and knowledge.
This stage is not just physical. Adolescence is also marked by stronger emotions. You might experience mood swings, feeling very happy one moment and low the next. You might feel more sensitive or develop new, deeper interests. We will discuss these emotional and behavioural changes and see how they are a normal part of developing a more complex adult personality.
This chapter is also a practical guide. Since your body is undergoing such rapid growth and development, it has new needs. We will explore the best ways to handle this stage with a sense of responsibility to build a strong foundation for your future.
1. Meeting Nutritional Needs: We will revisit the "balanced diet" from Grade 6. During this period of intense growth, your body needs a nutritious diet. We will identify the key foods and nutrients that are most important right now, such as:
Calcium (from milk, curd, millets) for optimal bone growth.
Proteins (from pulses, paneer, eggs) to help you grow, gain strength, and improve energy levels.
Iron (from spinach, dried fruits, beans) to help in the formation of blood, which is especially important for adolescents.
2. Personal Hygiene: Keeping clean becomes even more important during adolescence to protect against infections, especially in areas with new hair growth. We will also discuss the critical importance of menstrual hygiene for girls, including the proper use and, just as importantly, the safe and correct disposal of sanitary pads.
3. Physical Activity: We will reinforce the need for regular exercise, games, and sports to keep your body and mind fit, build stamina, and boost your mood.
4. A Balanced Social Life: This is a time of new and more complex relationships. We will discuss the importance of being polite, respectful, and thoughtful in all your interactions—both in person and online. We will also confront the serious issue of cyberbullying and learn the importance of seeking help from parents and teachers if you ever feel harassed .
5. Avoiding Harmful Substances (Learning to Say NO): This is one of the most critical lessons of this chapter. Adolescence is a time of curiosity, but it can also be a time of peer pressure. We will learn about the extreme dangers of addictive, harmful substances like tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs. We will learn what addiction is and why it is so important to be firm and confident in your decision to say "NO" the first time and every time .
Finally, after exploring all what happens, we will answer the big why. Why do all these changes—from a new moustache to a new mood—happen at this specific time of life?
The answer is hormones. We will learn that hormones are special chemicals produced in our bodies. They are released in response to signals from the brain and act as messengers, regulating all the different aspects of our growth and development . These powerful hormones are the internal engines driving the entire journey of adolescence.
To get started on this important journey of self-discovery, click on any topic link to begin your exploration.