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ECOMP 5004

Instructor: Elizabeth Gieck

Final Project, September 20, 2010

Group: Cristina Banzon, Jennifer Dobard, Faith Heath, and C. Sue Kindell

INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (Puberty)

TARGET AUDIENCE: Grade 5Girls

PURPOSE: Instructional Unitintroducesfemale students to the stage of human growth and development known as puberty and the female reproductive system. Guide students in exploring their feelings about maturing, and reassure the students that growth and development is a natural part of the life cycle.

OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn about key physical stages or milestones
  • Identify hygiene, nutrition, and physical activities that promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Identifies trusted and reliable sources for information

BIG IDEAS: An understanding of the process of growth and development, personal responsibilities, and hygiene.

NEVADA STANDARDS:

Nevada Health Standards:

  • 1.5.2 Explain the basic structures, function, and developmental processes of human body systems
  • 1.5.4 Identify key nutrients, and their functions, and the role they play to promote optimal health
  • 1.5.5 Identify the health-related components of an active lifestyle.
  • 3.5.1 Locate resources from home, school, and community that provide reliable health information.
  • 4.5.2 Discuss ways to communicate with others about stages of growth and development (listening, verbal, non-verbal)

Nevada Standards for English Language Arts:

  • 1.5.4 Word Analysis: comprehend, build, and extend vocabulary using context, clues, and structural analysis.
  • 4.5.5 Expository Text: use information to answer specific questions, make connections to self, other text, and/or the world.
  • 7.5.5 Listening: listen to, provide, and evaluate constructive feedback; solve problems by identifying, synthesizing, and evaluating data.

Nevada Information Literacy Standards: The student who is information literate

  • 2. Evaluates information critically and competently.
  • 3.B Uses information accurately and creatively; integrates new information into one’s own knowledge.
  • 4.A Seeks information relating to various dimensions of personal well being,
  • 5. BDevises meaning from information presented creatively in a variety of formats.

Web 2.0 TECHNOLOGIES:

  • Wix.comlink to web page:Growth andDevelopment
  • Polldaddy.com (embedded in the Wix.com webpage);

Polldaddy link:

  • SurveyMonkey.com Link toGROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT STUDENT SURVEY: (concludes the instructional unit)

MATERIALS:

  • Permission forms completed by parent/guardian
  • Computer, projector, SMARTBoard, document projector, (optional: TV, DVD player)
  • Always Changingvideo
  • MyPyramid mini poster
  • Wix.com Growth and Development website
  • Polldaddylesson survey link
  • SurveyMonkeystudent survey link
  • Handouts (see Appendix and Proctor & Gamble Girls’ Packet)

PROCEDURE:

Students, when they reach puberty, may be too embarrassed to talk to adults. Beginning the discussion with warm up questions or sentence starters will increase the students’ comfort levels. Emphasizing how everyone experiences these natural and normal changes may help the class to maintain the right focus while learning about Puberty.

WARM UP QUESTIONSshould help students make the connection between the growth stages they previously experienced, their awareness of their own growth and development, and the kinds of changes that kids undergo during middle childhood and early adolescence (the focus of this lesson). You might ask:

  • In what ways do infants and children aged 1 to 5 grow and develop?
  • Do children continue to grow in stages when they become 8, 9, 10, 11 years of age? Why or why not?
  • Why don't all people grow at the same time and at the same rate?
    (As learned in the previous lesson, all people are different and have different parents [genetics] whom they naturally follow in terms of growth.)
  • Have you noticed any changes in your own growth and development?

(Answers may vary. Encourage students to support their answers using examples.)

Unit of Instruction
Grade Five: Female Growth and Development

LESSON ONE: Puberty and Human Reproductive System Discussion **Modify script depending on the audience. **

Always Changing

Ever since you were born, your body has been growing and changing. Now that you have reached fifth grade you need to learn about the changes a girl’s body goes through as she grows from a child to a woman. This time in a girl’s life is called puberty or adolescence. The exact age that these changes take place differs for everyone, just as you all learned to walk at a different time. Each individual grows and changes at her own rate.

Puberty

Your parents, friends, and teachers will soon notice that you are growing taller and that you weigh more than you did. When you begin to notice these physical changes, it means that you are entering a phase in your life that is called puberty. This means that sometime between now and when you are 18 years old, you will change from a girl to a woman. The exact age that these changes take place is different for everyone. Each individual grows and changes at her own rate.

**If the discussion arises – remind students to be responsible with their bodies. Students need to understand although they may be physically able to have children this does not mean they are mentally and emotionally ready to become a parent.

Do Boys Change?

Boys at this age experience growth and physical changes also, but they are different from your physical changes. Changes in boys are usually less visible than in girls (see Appendix F).

Pituitary Gland and Hormones

There is a small but very important gland located at the base of your brain called the pituitary gland. This gland regulates your growth. During puberty, this pituitary gland manufactures hormones that circulate through your blood stream to all parts of the body. A hormone is a special chemical that affects body functions.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

The influence of the hormone estrogen causes obvious body changes. These body changes are called secondary sex characteristics. You will notice various changes in your body sometime between the ages of 9-16. One of the first changes you will notice is general body growth. Feminine features are beginning to happen to your body like breast development and the rounding of your hips and thighs. You are growing taller and weigh more than you did before. You will notice these changes one to two years before you start a menstrual period (See appendix D). These changes include:

1. / Increased height and weight / 4. / Appearance of pubic and underarm hair
2. / Breast development / 5. / Increased oil production in hair and face
3. / Rounding of hips and thighs / 6. / Increased perspiration

Internal Reproductive Organs

The same hormones, which brought about the secondary sex characteristics, also cause changes inside your body. In your lower abdomen are your female reproductive organs. The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina. These special organs in a woman’s body make it possible to have babies (see Appendix D).

1.Ovaries – Place your hands on your hips, with your fingers slanting forward. The ovaries are located under your second finger. Each ovary contains 400,000 egg cells. Each ovary is about the size of an almond or the approximate size of the first section of a person’s thumb.

2.Uterus – To locate your uterus, place the heel of one hand on your navel with fingers extending straight down. Under the second and third finger is the uterus. The uterus is pear shaped and about the size of your fist.

Menstrual Cycle

The hormones produced by the pituitary gland reach the ovaries and cause one of the egg cells inside the ovaries to develop fully and leave the ovary. When this happens, a girl begins to menstruate. This will happen sometime between the age of nine and sixteen. When the egg cell leaves the ovary, it finds its way to the nearby opening in the fallopian tube. The egg travels through the fallopian tube (about seven days). If it is not fertilized (meets with a special male cell for reproduction) in the first 48 hours, it continues to travel until it comes to the uterus. At this time, the uterus has a thick lining of blood and tissue, the endometrium, which has been getting ready to nourish a fertilized egg cell to grow a baby (see Appendix D).

When the egg cells are not fertilized, the endometrium is not needed and is shed. This is the menstrual flow, which is often called the monthly period. The menstrual flow includes excess blood and tissue from the uterus, which is passed through the vagina. This happens about once each month.

The menstrual flow is different for each girl. It takes four to seven days for the endometrial to be shed. These days are called menstruation or a monthly period. Some girls may experience cramps; others may not. A menstrual cramp is an unpleasant sensation in the abdominal area. Exercise, a warm bath, and/or warmth applied to the abdominal area frequently relieve the cramps. If these simple measures are ineffective, ask your parent/guardian or family doctor regarding other remedies. PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. In simpler terms, it is a collection of symptoms that occur prior to the monthly cycle. These symptoms can include both physical and emotional changes (Show Always Changing Video at this time).

**You may want to discuss the importance of caring for the female reproductive system. Introduce the term gynecologist as a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system.

Marking of Calendar

Once your menstrual flow begins, it is a good idea to mark a calendar. Gradually a pattern will emerge. It is a good idea to keep a record.

Personal Hygiene

The menstrual flow is absorbed on a sanitary napkin or tampon. There are many types of sanitary napkins and tampons. These items are made of absorbent material to promote personal hygiene and protect clothing. The first time you menstruate, you will want to use a sanitary napkin. Your parent/guardian should discuss a sanitary product to have on hand for use when you start menstruating.

Hygiene Tips for Girls

  • After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back.
  • Wash hands after using the toilet and when changing a sanitary napkin.
  • Be sure to change sanitary napkins often and dispose of sanitary napkins properly.
  • You may need to bathe or shower more often during menstruation.
  • Keeping physically active may decrease cramping that may occur during menstruation.

CLOSURE:

(Briefly recap the vocabulary, using the document projector to display the anatomical worksheet)

Much of the information you learned today included anatomical terms for parts of your body and its functions. Learning and using the correct terminology empowers you, as young women, to take ownership, control, and responsibility for your body . . . all part of growing up. Be sure to discuss what you learned with your parent/guardian. If you are at school, you may discuss any of the above topics with your school nurse or classroom teacher.

LESSON 1: Grade 5 Female Lesson

CONCEPT: Human Growth and Development

SUB CONCEPT: Anatomy

LEARNER OUTCOME: The student will identify the parts of the female reproductive system.

GUIDELINES / ACTIVITIES
  1. Send home Appendices F, G, H for Parent/Guardian review and discussion.
/ See Appendix G - Communicate with Your Young Adolescent About Human Development - Parent/Guardian
  • Have students take home the sheet and discuss with their parent/guardian prior to teaching the Growth and Development Unit. Only distribute handouts to students that have returned signed parent permission forms (Appendix A)

  1. Give students a copy of
Appendix B / See Appendix B - Changing Worksheet
  • Have students fill out the worksheet and hand back to their teacher for pre-assessment of what students want to know.

  1. Start the Puberty and Human Reproductive System Discussion.
  2. Define bold terms for students
  3. (Appendix C)
/ See Appendix C - Glossary of terms
  • Have students follow along with the discussion on puberty and the reproductive system
  • Have students define terms.

  1. Show Always Changing About You video.
/ Discuss the video
  1. Discuss functions of each vocabulary word from handout. Refer to Appendix D
  • VOCABULARY: Fallopian Tubes, Egg Cell, Uterus, Ovary, Vagina, Urethra
/ See Appendix D - Anatomy Worksheet
  • Have students label the worksheet
  • Review the answer sheet (Appendix D)
  • Physical characteristics
  • Similarities
  • Differences

  1. Field questions associated with video, handouts, and Proctor & Gamble Girls’ Packet.

APPROVED CCSD SEX EDUCATION RESOURCES:

Media Suggestion: Always Changing About You – PowerPoint or Video

Suggested Workbooks: “Who Knew? The Growing Up Issue for Girls!” by Channing Bete

Unit of Instruction
Grade Five: Female Growth and Development

LESSON TWO: Recap; Hygiene, Nutrition, Exercise, and Emotions

Recap

Many of the terms and diagrams presented yesterday may have madeyou feel uncomfortable or embarrassed; but talking about puberty will help you feel more relaxed and confident. During puberty, you will experience changes not only to your body, but also to your skin, hair, and emotions. Our discussion continues today with emphasis on hygiene, nutrition, and exercise.

Sentence Starters: (on index cards, passed out to students):

  • Growing up means . . .
  • I can’t wait to grow up to . . .
  • The best part about growing up is . . .
  • The hardest part of growing up is . . .
  • When I am an adult I would like to . . .
  • When I grow up, I'll never . . .
  • I don’t think I am ready to . . .
  • I am a little nervous about growing up because . . .

Changes in Sweat and Oil Glands

Everybody sweats, or perspires, and it is a normal body function that helps regulate your body temperature. Your eccrine glands started working when you were born, producing a clear and odorless perspiration. During puberty, the apocrine glands, under your arms, begin to function and produce perspiration that can smell bad when it comes in contact with bacteria on your skin.In addition to frequent showers or baths to wash dirt and oil off your skin, you will want to begin using deodorants that counteract odor or antiperspirants that reduce sweating and underarm wetness.

Your oil glands also produce more sebum, an oily substance. When sebum and dead skin cells clog skin pores when bacteria are present, it causes pimples (acne). You can reduce the pimples on your face by keeping your skin clean, washing it at least two or three times every day. Keep your hands away from your face, DON’T PICK!Eat a healthy, well balanced diet and drink lots of water to keep your skin healthy. Your hair also becomes oilier and will need to be shampooed more often.

Good Health Habits: Nutrition

To keep your body healthy you need to stay physically active and eat the right kinds of food. You need a balanced diet: Utilizing computer/SmartBoard, project theMyPyramid mini-poster found at

Let’s review what a balanced diet consists of:

Grains

Make at least half your grains whole grains. 6-ounce equivalents – 1-ounce equivalent is about 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of dry cereal, or 1/2 cup of cooked rice, pasta, or cereal.

Vegetables

Color your plate with all kinds of great tasting veggies. 2 1/2 cups – Choose from dark green, orange, starchy, dry beans and peas, or other veggies.

Fruits

Make most choices fruit, not juice. 1 1/2 cups of various fruits.

Milk

Choose fat-free or low-fat most often. 3 cups – 1 cup of yogurt or 1 1/2 ounces of cheese = 1 cup of milk.

Meat and Beans

Choose lean meats, such as chicken or turkey. Vary your choices – more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds. 5 ounce equivalents – 1 ounce equivalent is 1 ounce of meat, chicken, turkey, or fish, 1 egg, 1 Tsp. peanut butter, 1/2 ounce of nuts, or 1/4 cup of dry beans.

Some foods do not fit into any group. These “extras” are fats or sugars – limit your intake of these.

Physical Activity

You may also want to build more physical activity into your daily routine at home and school. At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day is recommended.

Emotional Ups and Downs

Those hormones, which bring about certain physical changes, also bring with them a variety of emotional feelings. It takes time for the hormone level to become balanced. A person may notice a fluctuation in emotions throughout the day. You may get angry a lot, go through mood swings, and cry more. You may become more self-conscious and compare yourself to your friends. It is good to know this doesn’t last; it is a normal part of growing up. You will start to make more sense of your feelings and think more like an adult.

Seek Out the Correct Information

People who do not understand their body and how it works may tell you stories that are not factual. Now that you have the correct information and know correct body terms, you need not fear what you are told by those less informed. Your parents/guardians, teacher, counselor, and school nurse can help you get the correct facts if you are concerned.

Review and reinforce the lesson material

Consider and pose questions that help students further identify and apply what they have learned to their own lives. Such questions may include:

  • What do you think are some good ways to cope with the changes that occur during this rapid period of growth? (Talk to family members, understand that changes are natural and normal, meet with a doctor if overly concerned, read articles or books on the subject.)
  • Do you think it is helpful to know about these kinds of changes? Why or why not? ("Yes" is the preferred answer since most will agree that it is better to understand and be prepared for what lies ahead of them. If some students say "No”, encourage them to explain why.)
  • Do kids have any control over these kinds of changes? Why or why not? Not really. Again, your family genetics serve as a natural plan of growth for you. It is important to appreciate and accept this fact. However, you do have some control over your own growth and development. That is, if you eat right, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and see a doctor regularly, you will help to ensure that you grow and develop to your full potential.)

You will need to continue learning about yourself. There is much more to know.