
Week Eight
Subject: Basic Science
Class: J.S.S Two
Week of the First Term: 8th Week
Topic: Body Image and Puberty
Subtopics: Puberty and Its Effect on Body Image
- Changes During Puberty (Physical and Emotional)
- Impact of Puberty on Body Image and Behavior
Instructional Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify and describe the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
- Discuss the impact of puberty on body image and self-esteem.
- Demonstrate appropriate ways to cope with changes and communicate their feelings effectively.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils should already know about human anatomy and basic concepts of growth and development from previous lessons.
Instructional Materials
- Textbook: Foundations of Sci. & Tech for Junior Secondary School Book 2 by Chris Ijiyemi
- Visual aids: Charts illustrating physical changes during puberty
- Flashcards with key terms related to puberty and body image
Reference Materials
Ijiyemi, C. (2016). Foundations of Sci. & Tech for Junior Secondary School Book 2. Metropolitan Publishers: Lagos.
Oyinlola, M., Rahaman, B., & Ezeume, I. (2015). Basic Science For Junior Secondary School Book 2 (Bec Edition). Spectrum Book Limited: Lagos.
Content
Puberty and Its Effect on Body Image
Puberty is a significant developmental stage that marks the transition from childhood to adolescence, typically occurring between the ages of 9 and 14 for girls and 10 and 15 for boys.
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Physical Changes During Puberty
During puberty, adolescents undergo various physical changes, including:
- Growth Spurts: Rapid increase in height and weight, which may lead to feelings of awkwardness as bodies change.
- Development of Primary and Secondary Sexual Characteristics:
- Girls: Breast development, the onset of menstruation, and widening of hips.
- Boys: Enlargement of the testes and penis, deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass.
- Changes in Body Composition:
- Girls typically experience an increase in body fat distribution, particularly in the hips and thighs.
- Boys tend to gain muscle mass and strength, which can enhance their physical appearance.
Emotional Changes During Puberty
The hormonal fluctuations during puberty not only affect physical growth but also lead to various emotional changes:
- Mood Swings: Adolescents may experience heightened emotions, irritability, and mood swings due to changing hormone levels.
- Increased Self-Consciousness: As bodies change, many adolescents become more aware of how they are perceived by others, leading to heightened self-awareness and sometimes anxiety about their appearance.
Impact of Puberty on Body Image
- Self-Perception: Adolescents often compare their bodies to those of their peers, which can lead to dissatisfaction if they feel they do not measure up to societal standards of beauty or masculinity.
- Peer Influence: Friends and social circles can significantly affect how adolescents view their bodies. Positive reinforcement can boost self-esteem, while negative comments can lead to body image issues.
- Media Representation: Exposure to idealized body images in media can create unrealistic expectations, causing feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.
- Behavioral Changes: A negative body image can result in unhealthy behaviors, such as:
- Disordered eating habits (e.g., dieting or binge eating).
- Excessive exercise to attain a certain body shape.
- Social withdrawal or avoidance of physical activities.
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Others removed.
