1.8 Growth

Natural sciences

Grade 9

Life processes: healthy life

Module 9

Growth, development and adolescence

When an organism grows , it shows an increase in mass and size.

An organism develops when its cells and tissues take on different forms and functions.

Beginning as a zygote, the growth of a human shows the following steps:

• Morula: a solid ball of cells
• Blastula: a hollow ball of cells beginning to specialise
• Embryo: first two months
• Fetus: from two months

Following birth, the child goes through another series of developmental stages:

• Baby / infant: from birth
• Toddler: from one to two and a half years
• Adolescent: from puberty to adulthood
• Adult: approximately from age 18

Hormones bring about a range of developments:

Boys: TESTOSTERONE

Sexual organs enlarge

Muscles become stronger and larger

Voice deeper – “breaks”

Bodily hair

Girls: ESTROGEN

Sexual organs enlarge

Hips broaden

Hips broaden

Bodily hair

Questions about and Aspects of adolescence: GROUP DISCUSSION

• Some cultures have an initiation process after which the child is regarded as an adult. A range of rituals and various ceremonies are practised. Find out about this and deal sensitively with the knowledge you gain.
• Some cultures and beliefs require circumcision – at differing ages. Here, also, the practices of other people have to be considered sensitively.

1. What is circumcision?

2. What is initiation?

3. What is acne? How is it treated?

4. What is peer pressure? How do you deal with it?

Assessment: GROUP DISCUSSION

Are you able to form a clearer picture of people in their communities?

LO 3.1

Assessment

Learning Outcomes 3: Science, society and environment

The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between science and technology, society and the environment.

We know this when the learner:

3.1 understands science as a human endeavour.

Memorandum

QUESTIONS ABOUT AND ASPECTS OF ADOLESCENCE: GROUP DISCUSSION

1. surgical removal of the foreskin/prepuce of the penis

2. a series of rituals and ceremonies that are practised in some cultures – may include circumcision – male and female

3. skin problems due to abnormal secretion of oils cased by hormones; good basic skin cleansing routine and medicinal creams and preparations

Pressure applied by members of same age group and friends with regard to clothing, behaviour, attitudes and habits; decide for yourself by using sound moral values as a frame of reference; also give consideration to the wisdom and experience elf older persons.