MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SECONDARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

GRADE 8

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Week 2 Lesson 2

Topic: Human Reproduction

Subtopic: Puberty /The menstrual cycle

Objectives:

- Given a diagram of a male and female body, students will briefly describe the changes
that occur during puberty.
- Given a diagram on the stages of the menstrual cycle, students will:
(i) Briefly describe what happens during each stage of the menstrual cycle
(ii) Identify all the hormones that are present during each stage of the menstrual cycle
(iii) Accurately describe the importance of the menstrual cycle in a woman’s
reproductive life
- Given a diagram of the female reproductive systems, students will:
(i) Correctly identify the site of ovulation, fertilization and implantation
(ii) Label at least (5) five structures of the female reproductive system

- Given a diagram of the male reproductive system, students will label at least five (5) parts
correctly

Content

- Secondary sex characteristics are any physical characteristic developing at puberty which
distinguishes between the sexes but is not directly involved in reproduction.
- The menstrual cycle is a monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus
(endometrium), starting with the preparation of an egg for fertilization.
- The menstrual cycle is divided into four (4) phases.
- During each menstrual cycle, an egg develops and is released from either the ovaries. The
lining of the uterus builds up in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy is unsuccessful,
the uterine lining sheds during a menstrual period and the cycle starts again.

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 - The reproductive system or genital system is a system of sex organs within
an organism that works together for sexual reproduction.

Secondary sex characteristics in males

 More pronounced body hair characteristics (beard, chest, etc.) and usually more coarse
 Heavier musculature
 Angular features (i.e. square jaw, triangular mid-region)
 Narrow hips
 Muscular pectorals (chest)
 Less fat tissue overall
 Deeper voice

Secondary sex characteristics in females

 Less pronounced body hair characteristics (mostly in the pubic region; hair all over is
usually finer)
 Lighter musculature
 Rounded features (i.e. softer facial features, hourglass mid-region)
 Wider hips (for childbearing)
 More pronounced breasts with more fatty tissue
 More fat tissue overall
 Higher voice.

Stages of the menstrual cycle

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Human Reproduction

- Reproduction in human beings is by sexual reproduction where both the male and female
gametes fertilize to give rise to an embryo.
- During fertilization, the sperm and egg unite in one of the fallopian tubes to form a zygote.
- Then the zygote travels down the fallopian tube. Once it reaches the uterus, it becomes a
blastocyst.
- The blastocyst then burrows into the uterine lining by a process called implantation.

The Female Reproductive system

- The female reproductive system contains two main parts: the uterus, which hosts the
developing fetus, produces vaginal and uterine secretions, and passes the anatomically
male sperm through to the fallopian tubes; and the ovaries, which produce the anatomically
female egg cells.

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 Diagram of the female reproductive system

The male reproductive system

- The male reproductive system consists of reproductive organs that play a vital role in the
process of human reproduction.

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 Diagram of the male reproductive system

Homework

Compare the changes that occur in males and females during puberty and discuss their
importance.

Reference

Hirsch, L. (2019). Male Reproductive System. Retrieved from

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/male-repro.html

Richards.J.E. (2011). Secondary Sexual Characteristics. Retrieved from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-
biology/secondary-sexual-characteristics

Stoppler, M.C. & Davis, C.P.(n.d). Female Reproductive System. Retrieved from

https://www.medicinenet.com/female_reproductive_system/article.htm

Watson, S.(2019). Stages of the Menstrual Cycle. Retrieved from

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/stages-of-menstrual-cycle

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