6. Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Complete solutions to Let Us Enhance Our Learning. CBSE / NCERT Class 7 Science (Curiosity).
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Let Us Enhance Our Learning
(i) Reasons: During adolescence, the oily secretions of the skin increase. This oil can block the skin pores. Dirt and germs collect in the blocked pores and cause infection. This leads to pimples (acne).
(ii) Relief:
- Wash the face gently with clean water two or three times a day.
- Do not squeeze or pick the pimples.
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid too much oily and junk food.
- Consult a doctor if the pimples are severe.
Option (ii) is the better choice.
It is a balanced diet. It has carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Adolescents grow fast and need all these nutrients.
Option (i) is junk food. It has too much oil, salt and sugar, and very few nutrients.
(i) nstmnoiaretu → menstruation
(ii) iceov xob → voice box
(iii) urtypeb → puberty
(iv) lahoclo and srugd → alcohol and drugs
No, Shalu is not fully correct.
Adolescence brings physical, biological and emotional changes. A better description is:
“Adolescence brings physical changes like growing taller and body hair, biological changes inside the body controlled by hormones, and emotional and behavioural changes like mood swings and a desire for independence.”
(i) Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.
- What can happen if we do not understand our mood swings or anger?
- Can these changes affect our studies and our relationships with family and friends?
- Whom should we talk to when we feel confused or stressed?
(ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.
- Why are tobacco, alcohol and drugs called addictive substances?
- Do people who become addicted plan to become addicted?
- What harm can even one use of a drug do to the body and mind?
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- Wanting more independence and taking own decisions.
- Feeling shy, confused or anxious about body changes.
- Getting angry or irritated quickly.
- Becoming more attached to friends than family.
- Feeling peer pressure.
- Becoming more curious and wanting to try new things.
- Becoming more concerned about looks and appearance.
- Use clean sanitary pads or cloth during menstruation.
- Change the pad every 4–6 hours.
- Wrap the used pad in paper or its cover before throwing it.
- Throw it only in a covered dustbin, never in the open or in the toilet.
- Wash hands with soap after changing.
- Take a bath daily and keep the body clean.
- If cloth is used, wash it well with soap and dry it in sunlight.
Mary: Her bulge was most likely goitre. It is caused by lack of iodine in the diet. So the doctor gave her medicine and an iodine-rich diet, like iodised salt.
Manoj: His bump was the Adam’s apple. In adolescent boys, the voice box grows and is seen as a bump in the throat. This is a normal part of growing up. So no treatment was needed.
| Observed only in boys | Observed only in girls | Common in boys and girls |
|---|---|---|
| Growth of moustache | Development of breasts | Change in voice |
| Growth of facial hair | Pimples on the face | |
| Growth of hair in the pubic region | ||
| Growth of hair in armpits |
The voice box grows in both boys and girls. In boys the voice becomes hoarse, while in girls there is only a slight change.
Points you can write on the poster:
- Eat a balanced diet. Avoid junk food.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exercise, play outdoor games or do yoga every day.
- Sleep for 8–10 hours.
- Bathe daily and keep your body clean.
- Say NO to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
- Share your feelings with parents, teachers or trusted friends.
- Limit screen time.
Make the poster colourful with drawings and a catchy slogan, such as “Healthy Habits, Happy Teens!”
Exploratory Projects
Exploratory Projects are hands-on tasks. Do them with your classmates under the guidance of your teacher, and write your own observations.