Chapter 6 Adolescence: A Stage of growth and change
Frequently Asked Questions
The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that trigger physical and emotional changes
The protruding part of the throat in boys caused by the growth of the voice box (larynx) during puberty.
Physical features that help distinguish males from females, such as facial hair in boys and breast development in girls.
It provides the necessary nutrients for the rapid physical growth and mental development occurring at this stage
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CBSE Notes Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Adolescence is a stage of life when a child grows into an adult. It is a period of many physical, mental, and emotional changes. This chapter helps students understand these changes in a simple and clear way.
The chapter also explains emotional changes during this stage. Teenagers may experience mood swings, increased sensitivity, and new feelings. Understanding these changes helps students manage their emotions better.
Students also learn about the importance of a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and regular exercise during adolescence. The chapter promotes awareness and encourages students to talk openly about their questions and concerns. It also helps remove confusion and builds confidence.
1.0Download CBSE Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Notes: Free PDF
Get the notes for CBSE Notes Class 7 Science Chapter 6: Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change. PDF to learn about physical, emotional, and hormonal changes during adolescence. The notes explain ideas in a way that is easy for students to understand. Good for getting ready for tests and raising awareness.
Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
2.0Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change Class 7 Science Chapter 6 – Revision Notes
Adolescence is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood by physical, emotional, and reproductive development driven by hormones. Having balanced nutrition, personal hygiene, and digital mindfulness enables adolescents to navigate these changes safely and confidently.
Key Concepts:
Infancy and Childhood: Infancy (birth to 2 years) is characterised by rapid physical growth and motor skills. Childhood (2 to 12 years) is characterised by gradual physical, intellectual and social development.
Adolescence and Puberty: Adolescence (10 to 18 years) is the developmental period between childhood and adulthood, beginning with puberty when the body undergoes internal and external changes to reach reproductive maturity.
Hormones: Chemical messengers secreted by ductless endocrine glands to the bloodstream that regulate growth, mood, and reproductive development.
Adam's Apple and Voice Changes: During puberty, the voice box (larynx) grows larger, creating a noticeable protrusion on the throat in boys called the Adam's apple, making their voice hoarse or deeper
Secondary Sexual Characters: Physical features such as facial hair in boys and breast development in girls that help distinguish males from females during puberty.
Menstruation & Menopause: Menstruation is a biological monthly process during which unfertilised eggs and uterine lining are shed. Menopause is the permanent pause of periods at around the age of 45 to 50 years.
Nutrition and Iron Care: Growing bones and tissues require balanced meals containing proteins, minerals, and iron-rich foods like amla, spinach, and jaggery to prevent anaemia.
Substance Abuse Prevention: The physical and mental urge to repeatedly consume addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, which must be strictly avoided.
Growth Stages Across Human Life
Infancy (0–2 years): Babies experience rapid physical growth, learning tto sit, walk, eat solid food, and recognize family members.
Childhood (2–12 years): Children steadily increase in height and weight while developing intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
Adolescence (10–18 years): The transitional stage between childhood and adulthood where physical, cognitive, and social changes occur to prepare the body for reproductive capability.
Adulthood & Old Age: The final stages of life following full growth and reproductive maturity.
Physical and Internal Changes During Puberty
Height Growth: Bones in the arms and legs elongate rapidly; initially, girls grow faster, but both generally achieve maximum height by age eighteen.
Body Shape Changes: Boys develop broader shoulders and more prominent muscles, while hips widen in girls.
Active Skin Glands: Sweat and oil (sebaceous) glands produce more secretions, which can block skin pores and cause acne or pimples.
Reproductive Organ Maturity: The testes mature to produce sperm in males, while ovaries enlarge and begin releasing mature eggs (ova) in females.
Emotional and Social Development
Heightened Sensitivity: Adolescents experience deeper emotions, mood shifts, self-exploration, and emerging empathy for others.
Constructive Outlets: Strong feelings can inspire participation in creative arts, music, journaling, sports, and community social causes.
Building Identity: Teenagers develop greater independence, questioning personal values, and learn to navigate peer relationships thoughtfully.
Nutritional Needs and Anaemia Management
Balanced Diet: Rapid physical development requires meals packed with enough proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Role of Iron: Iron is crucial for forming haemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen across the body.
Preventing Anaemia: Iron deficiency results in anaemia (fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low immunity). Consuming iron-rich foods like amla, spinach, jaggery, and citrus fruits prevents anaemia, whereas packaged junk food lacks vital nourishment.
Substance Abuse and Digital Mindfulness
Resisting Harmful Substances: Peer pressure and curiosity may tempt teens toward tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs; but these are addictives and can damage long-term health, adolescents should firmly say 'NO'.
Digital Privacy & Safety: Social media should be used thoughtfully; teens should check privacy settings, avoid sharing personal location tags or photos with strangers, and communicate respectfully online.
Handling Cyberbullying: Online harassment or rumor-spreading should be handled calmly by seeking immediate guidance from parents or teachers.
3.0Chapter 6 Terminologies to Know – Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Adolescence: A transitional stage of physical, emotional, and social development between childhood and adulthood.
Puberty: The stage during which an adolescent body undergoes internal and external changes to achieve reproductive maturity.
Adam's Apple: The visible protrusion on the throat of growing boys caused by the enlargement of the voice box (larynx).
Menstruation: The monthly biological discharge of blood and tissue from the female body during the reproductive phase.
Menopause: The permanent stoppage of menstruation, usually occurring between 45 and 50 years of age.
Hormone: Chemical substances produced by endocrine glands that regulate body functions and growth.
Endocrine Glands: Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Cyberbullying: Using digital devices or online platforms to harass, intimidate, or spread rumours about others.
Substance Abuse: The regular, addictive consumption of harmful chemical substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
4.0Learning Guide for Class 7 Science – Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Textbook Experiments and Activities:
Classroom Growth Observation Activity: Students drop anonymous paper slips into a jar, noting physical, height, emotional, and behavioural changes noticed between Grade 5 and Grade 8. Purpose: To observe and normalise common physical, emotional, and behavioural changes during growing up. Observation: Students consistently report height increases, voice changes, deeper emotions, and evolving friendships.
Social Media Awareness Activity: Small student groups create catchy posters (top 5 do's and don'ts) and detailed pamphlets covering privacy, cyberbullying, and online etiquette. Purpose: To promote respectful digital communication and privacy protection among peers. Observation: Displaying pamphlets and posters near libraries sparks constructive peer discussions about safe internet habits.
Everyday Examples:
Experiencing voice hoarseness or deepening as the larynx enlarges during early adolescence.
Including amla and leafy green vegetables in daily meals to maintain healthy haemoglobin levels.
Politely declining peer offers to try cigarettes or packaged gutka.
Revision Tips:
Remember that puberty marks the beginning of reproductive maturity, while adolescence is the entire transitional phase between childhood and adulthood.
Remember that iron-rich foods (jaggery, spinach, amla) are vital for haemoglobin production and preventing anaemia.
Safety Rules:
Wrap used sanitary hygiene products neatly in newspaper and dispose of them strictly in dustbins.
Never share private photos, home addresses, or passwords with strangers online.