Educator Overview
During puberty, your students will experience a range of dramatic
physical and emotional changes. Boys and girls will benefit from
having an understanding of these changes before they occur.
This subsection includes information on the following topics:
Physical Development
A general discussion of the internal and external physical changes
in adolescent girls and boys.
Cognitive Development
Discussion of the advanced intellectual processes that emerge
in girls and boys during adolescence.
Socioemotional Development
A discussion of adolescents’ desire for "limited independence"
and their growing need for social relationships with both peers
and adults.
Experiencing Puberty
A look at the different reactions young men and women may have
as they experience their own developmental changes. |
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Early adolescence is a time of rapid and dramatic change. Young
adolescents experience physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
changes that pervade their lives and often confuse them. A brief
discussion of these aspects of development is useful to better
understand the changes that occur during early adolescence and
the overall experience of puberty for young people.
Physical Development
Changes in physical appearance are the most striking aspects of
physical development. Other changes also take place, as young
people become capable of producing children. Most of us who work
with young adolescents will notice growth in height and weight.
While many will notice the subtle changes in contour and shape,
young adolescents will also experience internal changes. During
early adolescence, the body begins to produce the hormones necessary
for pubertal development. The reproductive system matures, making
it possible for young adolescents to produce children.
Cognitive Development
The development of advanced intellectual processes or cognitive
development begins during early adolescence. Between the ages
of 10 and 15, many young people begin to develop the ability to
think abstractly and reflectively. Younger children think concretely.
Young adolescents may think about “what might be” instead of “what
is.” They begin to develop the ability to understand metaphors
and abstract mathematical concepts and to reason about ideals
like justice, religion, or love. Those who work and live with
young adolescents will notice some of the behaviors linked to
these new cognitive abilities. For example, young teens may question
accepted rules and may argue whether rules are reasonable and
fair. They may question others’ beliefs and values because they
are able to comprehend that not everyone thinks the same way they
do about social or moral issues. Young people start to see the
future in terms of years, so they may relate their interests and
present circumstances to the roles they will play as adults. These
cognitive abilities develop slowly, so your students may behave
in ways that show both abstract and concrete thought.
Socioemotional Development
Young adolescents begin to learn new social skills as they expand
their social world. They also learn to cope with the excitement
and confusion that accompany the changes of early adolescence.
In expanding their social world, young people begin to learn how
to develop and maintain close, mutually supportive relationships
with others their own age. This social skill is essential for
a normal, socially competent adult and is cultivated by involvement
in a group. In addition to close relationships with friends, relationships
with family and other adults are necessary for healthy development.
Although young adolescents look to peer groups for companionship
and for guidance in some aspects of behavior, such as dress, hairstyle,
and entertainment, they look to their families for affection,
identification, values and decision making. Young adolescents
frequently seek the company of other adults, such as teachers,
relatives, club leaders or neighbors, who serve as role models
or advisers.
During early adolescence, young people want more autonomy in dress,
curfew, selection of friends, or how they spend their free time.
They are not seeking complete independence but rather limited
independence with a voice in determining specific rules and limitations.
Young adolescents often appear quite absorbed by their experiences,
appearance and behavior. They tend to feel that an “imaginary
audience” notices and passes judgment on their actions and appearance.
Therefore, they must look and act like their peers. It is painful
to be “different.”
Experiencing Puberty
Growth in physical development, cognitive abilities, social skills
and emotional maturity does not occur at the same rate. For example,
early physical developers do not always demonstrate early intellectual
and socioemotional growth.
Young adolescents change at different rates, according to highly
individual internal “clocks.” A 12-year-old who looks like a young
woman is as “normal” as peers who are just beginning to mature
physically, and a 13-year-old concrete thinker is as normal as
peers who are capable of abstract thinking. You should emphasize
that every individual is unique in terms of physical, intellectual,
social, and emotional development.
Most young adolescents are pleased by the body changes (or the
expected body changes) that make them look more adult. At the
same time, they are concerned about whether their bodies are “normal.”
A young girl may be convinced that something is wrong with her
if her developmental timetable, or even her feelings, are different
from those of her friends. A girl who develops early may delight
in being the first one who has to wear a bra or she may be self-conscious
about her womanly body. Some girls worry because they have not
begun to menstruate while their classmates already have their
periods; others may not be the least concerned. A young boy may
be convinced that he has a medical problem if he doesn’t start
puberty with his friends. A boy who develops early may be proud
of his physical development or he may feel embarrassed because
he looks so different.
There is a wide range of possible reactions and responses to growing
up; all of them are normal. It is easy to talk about the events
of puberty in an academic fashion until we think back to our own
adolescence and remember how pimples, a nose that was too big,
breasts that would not grow, or lack of athletic prowess seemed
to turn all of life sour.
Early adolescence is a period of great change and growth, altering
the expectations that others hold for adolescents. When adolescents
begin to show signs of physical growth, adults tend to expect
more mature social and emotional behavior. Adjusting to dramatic
body changes and altered (and sometimes conflicting) expectations
from others makes young adolescents especially vulnerable to bouts
of low self-esteem, moodiness, and intense emotionalism.
As they pass through puberty, young people see themselves differently
when they look in the mirror, live with their new bodies, and
experience adults’ altered expectations. Because young adolescents
are more self-conscious, they view themselves and their relationships
in a new way.
Young adolescents are a challenging group because they are so
variable, both as individuals and as a group. As they grow accustomed
to body changes, gradually master new cognitive abilities, learn
“adult” social skills, and cope with these changes, individual
young adolescents may feel, act, and want to be treated like children
one minute and grown-ups the next. They are drawn to people who
like and respect them for who they are right now and who respond
sensitively to both their present joys and confusion and their
dreams and worries about the future.
You can help students develop healthy attitudes about the changes
that occur during puberty. You can build an environment that enhances
self-esteem and encourages student discussion. You can supply
accurate information so that students have a solid foundation
on which to build healthy attitudes. The information and materials
in this website will help you attain the following goals:
- To help students understand the changes that young adolescents
experience and to help them develop positive attitudes toward
these changes.
- To acquaint students with the major events of puberty for both
females and/or males.
- To reassure students that the changes they experience are normal
and healthy.
- To allay some of the common concerns young adolescents have about
growing up.
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Educator Overview
You can help your students develop a well-informed attitude about
their growth and development by helping them get a clear understanding
of their reproductive anatomy and hormone system.
This section includes information on the following topics:
Defining Puberty
Puberty is not synonymous with adolescence. It refers only to
the physical changes that occur during adolescence.
The Growth Spurt
Rapid changes in height and weight during puberty.
Primary Sex Characteristics
The changes that mark the beginning of puberty for girls and boys.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Other external changes that make adolescents look like mature
men and women.
Hormonal Changes
The glandular changes that occur during puberty. |
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Young people need the biological data that explain the physical
changes that occur during puberty. First, you can provide basic
information on the structure and function of the internal and
external parts of the reproductive anatomy in both females and
males. Second, you can provide basic information on the structure
and function of the hormone system that affects pubertal development.
A clear understanding of the reproductive anatomy and hormone
system is important if students are to develop well-informed attitudes
about their own growth and development.
This section covers general information on puberty - the adolescent
growth spurt, primary and secondary sex characteristics - as well
as detailed discussions of the female and male reproductive systems.
The typical sequences of female and male pubertal changes are
presented. There is also a review of personal care tips for young
adolescents.
The information included in these sections is adapted, with permission,
from LIVING WITH 10- TO 15 YEAR OLDS: A PARENT EDUCATION CURRICULUM.
Rev, Ed. 1989. Center for Early Adolescence. University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Suite 211, Carr Mill Mall, Carrboro,
NC 27510.
Defining Puberty
Puberty is commonly yet incorrectly used as a synonym for adolescence.
It is properly used to refer only to the physical changes that
occur during adolescence. Three kinds of physical changes occur
during this period of life: 1) the adolescent growth spurt, 2)
the development of primary sex characteristics, and 3) the appearance
of secondary sex characteristics.
The Growth Spurt
During puberty, the growth rate accelerates. In three years, girls
will grow an average of 10 inches. Boys will grow an average of
3-1/2 inches per year during the GROWTH SPURT. Physical growth
is not always uniform. For example, limbs tend to grow before
the trunk of the body, and the chin or nose may grow before the
rest of the face.
One look at almost any group of young adolescents provides ample
evidence of the normal variation in physical development among
the age group. Watching adolescents through the growth spurt illustrates
the dramatic and rapid changes that occur during early adolescence.
Primary Sex Characteristics
During puberty, the reproductive system matures. The changes necessary
to prepare girls’ and boys’ bodies to produce children are called
PRIMARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS. For girls, the marker event is the
beginning of menstruation. For boys, the marker events are genital
growth and the first EJACULATION. There is a wide variation in
the ages at which these events begin to occur for individual girls
and boys.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS are those changes that make boys
and girls look like mature men and women. Breast development and
the addition of body fat are such characteristics for girls. These
developments change the contour and shape of the body. Boys’ voices
deepen and their shoulders broaden. Both boys and girls develop
body hair and body odor.
Children learn early in life to compare themselves with their
peers. Making comparisons is seldom greater than at puberty, as
young people begin to develop secondary sex characteristics. While
all girls and boys follow the same general patterns of development,
there are many normal individual variations in the onset and rate
of growth.
On the average, the first signs of approaching puberty for girls
appear around the ages of 9 or 10 when many girls develop breast
buds. This is followed by the appearance of pubic and axillary
hair. A marked growth spurt in height and weight follows and the
reproductive organs begin to mature. The percentage of fat tissue
increases as hips and thighs fill out and body contours become
more rounded. Within two or three years following the initial
signs of puberty, the first menstrual period begins.
In comparison, the male maturation process begins at a later age,
usually around 11 or 12. Male growth is also marked by the maturing
of the reproductive organs, the appearance of pubic and body hair,
and an increase in height and weight. Boys as well as girls are
often preoccupied during the initial stages of puberty with the
physical benchmarks of development - a natural reaction to dramatic
change!
Hormonal changes
During puberty, the physical changes of the body involve the hormone
system. Hormones are chemical substances that affect growth and
change in cell activity. Three physical structures involved in
the production of the necessary hormones for pubertal development
in girls are the HYPOTHALAMUS, the pituitary gland, and the ovaries.
In boys, these structures are the hypothalamus, the pituitary
gland, and the testicles.
The hypothalamus, a nerve center in the brain, releases chemicals
into the bloodstream. The bloodstream carries the chemicals to
the pituitary gland, an organ situated near the hypothalamus.
In girls, the pituitary gland produces hormones that stimulate
the growth of the ovaries. The ovaries, the glands of the female
reproductive system that store ova (egg cells), then produce the
hormone estrogen and release it into the bloodstream. Estrogen
is responsible for many of the changes that occur during puberty.
For example, increases in estrogen lead to breast development,
changes in the shape and contour of the body, and the maturation
of the reproductive system. Estrogen sparks the release of the
hormone called progesterone. Progesterone helps the lining of
the uterus thicken and prepare itself to nourish a fertilized
ovum.
In boys, the pituitary gland produces hormones that stimulate
the testicles to produce the hormone testosterone. Testosterone
is responsible for most of the changes of male puberty. For example,
increases in the level of testosterone lead to the development
of body and facial hair, the growth of the reproductive organs,
the production of sperm, the changes in the shape of the body,
and the change in the voice.
Other hormones also contribute to development during puberty.
For example, adrenal hormones affect the development of muscles
and bones, the growth of hair, and the changes in the skin.
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The Male Reproductive System
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Educator Overview
Boys will feel more comfortable with the physical changes they
are experiencing when they learn how their development relates
to the normal function of their reproductive systems.
This subsection includes information on the following topics:
External Anatomy
Definitions and explanations.
Internal Anatomy
Definitions and explanations, with an interactive diagram. |
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During puberty, the male reproductive system matures, making it
possible for young males to produce children. Boys begin to produce
SPERM or spermatozoa, which are microscopic cells containing half
the material needed to create a child. For conception to occur,
a sperm penetrates the female ovum or egg that is released during
ovulation. This joining of the sperm and ovum can occur after
the male ejaculates into a female’s vagina during sexual intercourse.
External Anatomy
The two main parts of the external sex organs, or GENITALS, are
the PENIS and the SCROTUM. The most obvious genital organ is the
penis, which is made up of the shaft and the head or glans. The
glans is covered by the foreskin, which is sometimes removed at
infancy by a surgical procedure known as CIRCUMCISION. The small
opening in the center of the glans is the urinary opening where
urine and SEMEN are released.
The scrotum is a loose sac of skin and muscle that lies under
the penis. The scrotum houses two TESTICLES, the organs where
sperm cells are produced. The scrotum regulates the temperature
of the testicles in order to make sperm.
Internal Anatomy
In order to understand the structure and function of the internal
parts of the male reproductive system, it is important to understand
that the system is designed to produce, store, and transport sperm
to an ovum in a woman’s body.
The testicles, or testes, contain chambers, or tubules, where
sperm is produced. The testicles also produce the hormone TESTOSTERONE
that causes most of the changes in males during puberty.
The EPIDIDYMIS, a storage compartment composed of tiny tubes,
lies behind and is attached to each testicle. These tubes store
the sperm cells while they mature.
Each testicle connects to a tube called the VAS DEFERENS or sperm
duct. The mature sperm move toward the main part of the body through
the vas deferens. The tube widens; at which point it is called
the AMPULLA. Sperm cells are stored in the ampulla until ejaculation.
At the end of the ampulla are two small sacs called SEMINAL VESICLES.
These vesicles contribute to the production of semen, a white
sticky fluid that carries and nourishes the sperm. From here,
the fluid and sperm cells flow into the ejaculatory ducts that
connect the seminal vesicles with the opening of the urethra in
the PROSTATE GLAND. The prostate gland adds more fluid to the
production of semen. |
Move your cursor over each word for definition.
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The semen carries the sperm through the urethra. The urethra is
a tube in the center of the penis, sheltered by soft tissue. The
semen and sperm are then released from the urinary opening during
ejaculation.
Since urine and semen travel through the urethra and are released
from the urinary opening, some students may wonder if boys can
urinate and ejaculate at the same time. These functions cannot
occur concurrently. During ejaculation, a small valve between
the bladder and the urethra closes, preventing urination.
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The Major Events Of Female Puberty
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Educator Overview
You can reassure your students that the ages at which each girl
experiences developmental changes vary. Puberty begins when the
time is right for each individual girl.
This subsection includes information on the following topics:
Phases of Development
Table and chart presenting the major physical changes of female
puberty.
Breast Development
Explanation of the five distinct stages of breast growth.
Pubic Hair Development
Explanation of the five distinct stages of pubic hair growth.
Growth Spurt
Discussion of rapid increase in height and weight during puberty.
Menarche
Information on the age range during which girls will first experience
menstruation. |
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The major events of puberty in females include the beginning of
breast development, the appearance of pubic hair, the beginning
of the growth spurt, and menarche (first period).
Development usually follows a characteristic sequence, yet the
age at which each individual girl experiences these physical changes
varies. The following chart lists the age range and the average
age of onset for each event. The age range reflects the earliest
and latest age at which girls usually begin these development
stages. Some girls may begin earlier or later. Students may be
concerned about their development. You can reassure them by stressing
that the changes of puberty begin when the time is right for each
individual girl and boy.
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Phases of Development
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Usual Age
Range
Earliest Age
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Latest Age
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Approximate
Average Age
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1. Beginning of breast
development |
8-3/4 yrs.
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13-1/4 yrs.
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11 yrs.
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2. Appearance of
pubic hair |
9 yrs.
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13-1/2 yrs.
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11 yrs.
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3. Beginning of most
rapid growth |
10-1/2 yrs.
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14-1/2 yrs.
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12 yrs.
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4. First menstrual period
(menarche) |
10-3/4 yrs.
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15-1/2 yrs.
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12-1/2 yrs.
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From: EARLY ADOLESCENCE: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW, by Anita Farel,
Center for Early Adolescence, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Suite 211, Carr Mill Mall, Carrboro, NC 27510. Copyright,
1982.
Breast Development
The sequence of changes in puberty for girls usually begins with
the onset of breast development. Breast development corresponds
to the level of estrogen in the bloodstream. The level of hormone
production differs for each individual girl and partially explains
why the onset and rate of growth varies considerably. Breast development
can begin about age 8-3/4, with the average age of onset about
11.
Breast development can be divided into five stages.
- Stage 1– The girl’s breast is flat and the nipple is raised.
- Stage 2 – The breast bud, a small mound of tissue under the nipple,
appears. The nipple and areola (the skin surrounding the nipple)
stand out, grow larger and darken.
- Stage 3 – The breast bud grows; thus the breasts become more full
and round.
- Stage 4 – The nipple and areola form a mound on top of the breast
tissue. Some girls do not go through this stage.
- Stage 5 – All girls reach full maturity whether or not they show
the features of Stage 4.
Girls proceed through the developmental stages at different rates.
Some girls reach full breast maturity six months after the breast
bud appears. For others, it may take six years. The average span
of development from Stage 2 to Stage 5 is four and one-half years.
Pubic Hair Development
The second major event of puberty is the appearance of pubic hair.
As with breast development, the development of pubic hair occurs
in stages. In Stage 1, no pubic hair growth is apparent. Fine,
silky pubic hairs grow along the midline of the outer labia in
Stage 2. Stage 3 features hair growth that extends upward and
sideways from the midline. In Stage 4, the hair begins to cover
the mons pubis, the layer of tissue that protects the pubic bone.
The adult stage or Stage 5 consists of the growth of hair into
a wider area. During development, pubic hair gradually thickens
and may become curly and coarse.
Girls may begin to develop pubic hair about age 9, with the average
age of development occurring about age 11. You should remind students
that girls go through these stages at different times. |
Move your cursor over each stage illustration for description.
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Growth Spurt
Both girls and boys go through the adolescent growth spurt. Girls
hit their peak growth rate about two years before boys do, at
about age 12. Girls also gain weight during this growth phase.
It is crucial, in this era of widespread eating disorders such
as anorexia and bulimia, that educators explain that some weight
gain is normal and healthy and is not a sign that a girl will
be fat or an indication that she should start dieting. Girls reach
the peak of weight gain about six months after the peak in height
growth. Structurally, girls’ hips widen (in comparison with the
broadening of boys’ shoulders). It may allay a girl’s anxiety
about this growth spurt to know that boys will catch up in a year
or two, and that the growth spurt often signals imminent menstruation.
Menarche (first period)
The average age for menarche is 12. The usual range of menarche
extends from 10-3/4 to 15-1/2 years, however it is entirely normal,
though unusual, for a girl to experience menarche as early as
9 or as late as 16.
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The Major Events Of Male Puberty
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Educator Overview
You can help your students understand that the ages at which each
boy experiences the developmental changes of puberty vary. Changes
in physical development begin when it is the right time for each
individual boy.
This subsection includes information on the following topics:
Phases of Development
Table and chart presenting the major physical changes of male
puberty.
Growth of Testes and Penis
Explanation of genital development.
Appearance of Pubic Hair
Explanation of pubic hair growth.
Growth Spurt
Discussion of rapid growth during puberty, including voice change. |
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The major events of puberty in males include the enlargement of
the testes, the growth of the penis, the appearance of pubic hair,
and the beginning of the growth spurt. Development usually follows
a characteristic sequence, but the onset and rate of growth varies.
This Table lists the age range and the average age of onset for
each event. The age range reflects the earliest and latest age
at which boys usually begin these developmental stages. Some boys
may begin earlier or later. You can help students understand that
these changes occur when the time is right for each individual
student. |
Phases of Development
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Usual Age
Range
Earliest Age
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Latest Age
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Approximate
Average Age
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1. Beginning of
enlargement of testes
(become greater than
1 inch long) |
9-1/2 yrs.
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13-1/2 yrs.
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12 yrs.
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| 2. Growth of the penis |
10 yrs.
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14 yrs.
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12-1/4 yrs.
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| 3. Appearance of pubic hair |
9-1/2 yrs.
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14 yrs.
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12-1/2 yrs.
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4. Beginning of most
rapid growth in height |
11-1/2 yrs.
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16 yrs.
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14 yrs.
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From: EARLY ADOLESCENCE: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW, by Anita Farel,
Center for Early Adolescence, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Suite 211, Carr Mill Mall, Carrboro, NC 27510. Copyright,
1982.
Growth of Testes and Penis
The sequence of changes in puberty for boys usually begins with
the enlargement of the testes. This development may start as early
as 9-1/2 years of age, with the average age about 12 years. Some
boys may notice that the testicles have grown; others may not.
At this time, the scrotal sac loosens, grows longer, and deepens
in color.
During puberty, the penis will grow longer and wider. This growth
may start as early as 10 years of age or as late as age 14, but
the average age that growth begins seems to be at about 12-1/4
years. As the penis grows, its skin will deepen in color.
About one year after the growth of the penis begins, usually between
the ages of 11 and 15; boys may experience their first ejaculation.
Ejaculation is the process by which semen is ejected from the
penis. Before a male ejaculates, he gets an ERECTION. Blood fills
the tissue inside the penis so that the penis stiffens and becomes
thicker and longer. When a male ejaculates, muscles contract and
push semen into and through the urethra.
An ejaculation that happens while a boy is asleep is called a
NOCTURNAL EMISSION, or wet dream. An ejaculation usually occurs
as a result of sexual arousal or excitement. However, it may occur
involuntarily. These occurrences are normal.
Appearance of Pubic Hair
At puberty, boys will notice hairs at the base of the penis. Some
may detect pubic hair as early as 9-1/2 years of age or as late
as age 14. During this developmental stage, pubic hair may gradually
darken and may become more curly and coarse.
When pubic hair begins to grow, boys may worry about small bumps
that may appear at the base of the penis and on the scrotum. These
bumps are normal. Boys will soon notice tiny hairs growing through
the bumps. There may be other bumps as well, but these will consist
of oil and perspiration, a sign that the perspiration glands are
active. These bumps are also normal.
Growth Spurt
The growth spurt may start as early as 11-1/2 years of age and
as late as 16 years. Most boys, on the average, begin around the
age of 14. Some boys grow 2-1/2 inches a year during this growth
period. Others may grow as many as 5 inches a year. Boys will
also gain weight during puberty, so it is important to stress
good diet, nutrition and exercise at this time.
Boys will change in other ways during the growth spurt. The shape
of the face will change, shoulders will broaden, and body strength
will increase. Voice will deepen as vocal cords grow. Cracking
in voice can occur during this time of growth.
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Personal Care For Young Adolescents
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Educator Overview
Both boys and girls will experience glandular effects on their
skin and dramatic periods of energy and fatigue during puberty.
This subsection contains information that will help you advise
them on proper rest, nutrition and skin care habits.
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As girls and boys go through the growth spurt, they experience
other changes that accompany the increase in height and weight.
They may have unbounded energy at times but seem tired or lazy
at other times. Their movement may be uncoordinated or clumsy.
They may experience aching muscles and tension. Their appetites
may increase. You should inform students that these occurrences
are normal.
Rapid growth and development creates the need for more careful
attention to nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. The following
tips may help your students manage their personal care needs:
- It is especially important during early adolescence to focus young
girls’ and boys’ attention on a balanced diet and good eating
habits because many young teens do not have the kind of schedules
that accommodate a healthy diet. Young adolescents should choose
foods from the four basic food groups: meats and poultry, fruits
and vegetables, breads and cereals, and milk products. They should
eat a good breakfast and avoid “junk” foods.
- If weight is a problem, young adolescents should consult a doctor.
They should be discouraged from trying “fad” diets or dieting
on their own.
- Physical activity is important during this time. Encourage a regular
program of exercise such as aerobics, sports, or dance lessons.
- Young adolescents also need time for relaxation and rest. Too
much activity can be harmful to growing bodies.
As young adolescents go through puberty, glands and hormones become
more active. Active sweat glands produce different body odors.
The change in oil glands may produce other complexion problems.
Girls and boys will develop pubic hair and underarm hair. The
hair on their arms and legs will also grow.
Increased glandular and hormonal activity creates the need for
more careful attention to cleanliness and grooming. The following
tips may be useful to your students:
- A shower or bath using warm water is recommended. Hair should
be shampooed as often as necessary to keep it clean.
- Frequent cleansing of the face with soap and water will help keep
complexion problems under control. However, some adolescents overreact
and should be cautioned not to wash their faces too frequently
or to scrub too hard since this may aggravate the condition.
- Adolescents with severe skin problems should be encouraged to
see a dermatologist or family doctor for individualized advice.
- For young girls, with the appearance of hair under the arms and
on the legs, the question of shaving may arise. For young boys,
shaving will be of interest with the appearance of facial hair.
You might suggest that young adolescents discuss these questions
with their parents, who can provide guidance on removing hair.
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Classroom Exercises & Quizzes
with Answer Keys
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Followed in sequence, these activities will help introduce your
students to the many aspects of puberty.
The activities have been divided by gender so you can either have
all of your students participate in all of the activities, or
work with boys and girls separately.
You will need the Acrobat PDF Viewer 3.0 or higher plug-in to
view the handouts.
Click here to get Acrobat from Adobe.
Female Introductory Exercise
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 10 minutes for this activity.
- READ aloud the instructions to the students.
- EXPLAIN that the purpose of the exercise is to find out how much
they already know about female puberty, and that they should not
be concerned if they do not know all the answers.
- REMIND students that the exercise will not be graded.
- After students complete the exercise, REVIEW and EXPLAIN the answers
provided on the answer key
- ANSWER questions that arise. POINT out that complex questions
will be answered more fully during the course of the unit.
Click here for the INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Introductory Exercise - Female Puberty and Answer Key
Female Puberty Vocabulary Quiz
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 15 minutes for this activity.
- READ aloud the instructions at the top of the quiz.
- After students complete the quiz, REVIEW the answers.
Click here for the QUIZ FORM, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Vocabulary Quiz - Female Puberty and Answer Key
Anatomy Worksheet - Female
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 15 minutes for this activity.
- Be certain that students are already familiar with the parts of
the body involved in the female reproductive system.
- DISTRIBUTE copies of the Female Anatomy Worksheet.
- ASK students to complete the worksheet by matching the terms to
appropriate parts of the body.
- After students complete the worksheet, REVIEW the answers.
Click here for the ANATOMY WORKSHEET, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Anatomy Worksheet and Answer Key
Final Quiz - Female
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 15 minutes for this activity.
- READ aloud the instructions to students.
- When students have completed the quiz, REVIEW and EXPLAIN the
correct answers. ASK for and ANSWER any additional questions.
Click here for the QUIZ FORM, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Final Quiz - Female Puberty and Answer Key
Introductory Exercise - Male
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 10 minutes for this activity.
- READ aloud the instructions to the students.
- EXPLAIN that the purpose of the exercise is to find out how much
they already know about male puberty, and that they should not
be concerned if they do not know all the answers.
- REMIND students that the exercise will not be graded.
- After students complete the exercise, REVIEW and EXPLAIN the answers
provided on the answer key.
- ANSWER questions that arise. POINT out that complex questions
will be answered more fully during the course of the unit.
Click here for the INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Introductory Exercise - Male Puberty and Answer Key
Vocabulary Quiz - Male
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 15 minutes for this activity.
- READ aloud the instructions at the top of the quiz.
- After students complete the quiz, REVIEW the answers.
Click here for the QUIZ FORM, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Vocabulary Quiz - Male Puberty and Answer Key
Anatomy Worksheet - Male
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 15 minutes for this activity.
- Be certain that students are already familiar with the parts of
the body involved in the male reproductive system.
- DISTRIBUTE copies of the Male Anatomy Worksheet.
- ASK students to complete the worksheet by matching the terms to
appropriate parts of the body.
- After students complete the worksheet, REVIEW the answers.
Click here for the ANATOMY WORKSHEET, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Anatomy Worksheet and Answer Key
Final Quiz - Male Puberty
Instructions for Educators
- ALLOW approximately 15 minutes for this activity.
- READ aloud the instructions to students.
- When students have completed the quiz, REVIEW and EXPLAIN the
correct answers. ASK for and ANSWER any additional questions.
Click here for the QUIZ FORM, followed by the ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATIONS. Hit your PRINT
button while viewing the quiz to make a paper copy that you can
duplicate and distribute to your students.
Final Quiz - Male Puberty and Answer Key
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