Part A Human Sexuality SMB PDF

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Health and Life Skills 7

Part A: Human Sexuality
Student Module Booklet
Alberta Education
ISBN 0-7741-2656-6
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Division No. 7 for their review of this Student Module Booklet.
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P art A: Human Sexuality
People go through many changes—social, emotional,

intellectual, and physical—during their teen years.
It is an exciting and possibly confusing time in life.
Sometimes you may feel very adult, and other times
you may feel very young. You may often feel confused
and unsure of what is happening to you socially,
emotionally, mentally, and physically.
It’s easy to feel embarrassed or anxious when talking

about sexuality, but it’s important that you have
all the right information. Part A: Human Sexuality
explores answers to many of the questions you may
have about becoming a mature man or woman. And
you probably have lots of questions. This part of
Health and Life Skills 7 will hopefully answer them.
Knowledge prevents misunderstandings about human
sexuality.
In Part A: Human Sexuality you will focus on
• the human reproductive process

• making safe and responsible decisions about sexuality
• making decisions for abstinence
Note: Since the nature of the information in this component is sensitive, it is important to discuss
any of your questions or concerns with an adult you feel comfortable with. You may be able to talk to
your parents about sex and get all your questions answered. But if you feel awkward talking to your
parents about sex, there are many other people you can talk to, such as your doctor, a school nurse, a
teacher, a school counsellor, or some other respected adult.
Part A: Human Sexuality 1

The Human Reproductive Process
Every person grows and develops in unique ways. You probably notice differences in
height, weight, and body build in people around you. The wide range of individual
adolescence: the differences is most noticeable during adolescence, which usually occurs between
period of growth the ages of 10 and 20. The amount of growth and the speed at which development
between childhood
and adulthood occurs varies with each individual. These differences are all very natural.
Sometimes adolescents become anxious

about how much or how little they are
growing. They may be growing more quickly
or more slowly than their friends of the same
age. It is important to realize that different
individual growth patterns are natural.
Kids often become very aware and

self-conscious of their bodies during
puberty: the period puberty. Puberty refers to an early stage
of early adolescence
during which there is
of adolescence—a time when you will
rapid physical growth experience a rapid growth spurt and become
sexually mature. (Often the terms puberty
and adolescence are used interchangeably,
but they actually have different meanings.)
During puberty, your body undergoes much
growth and development.
Growth means an increase in the size of a part of the body. A good example of
growth is an increase in height or an increase in muscle and body strength.
Development refers to the maturity or increased functioning of a body part, such
as a gland or organ. The change the reproductive organs go through during
adolescence is a good example of development.
The timing of puberty varies greatly between the genders and between individuals.
On average, puberty begins one or two years earlier for girls than for boys. For
girls, puberty can start between the ages of 8 and 13. For boys, it can start between
the ages of 10 and 15. Some people, however, start puberty earlier or later than
these ages. It is important to remember that each person is different and has his
or her own development schedule. That is why when you look at your friends, you
may see some that still look like young kids and others that already look like adults.
During puberty there are many social, emotional, mental, and physical changes
happening to you. Social changes are those that affect the way you relate to others.
They affect the way you get along with other people such as your friends, family,
and community.
2 Health and Life Skills 7

Emotional changes involve your feelings, likes, and dislikes. You may experience
shifts in the way you feel about yourself, your friends and family, and your life
experiences. During your adolescent years, you may experience many ups and
downs. These ups and downs are a natural part of growing up.
Mental changes affect the way you think and what you think about. They
involve new developments in your thoughts and decisions. During adolescence,
you continually experience new decision-making skills, awarenesses, and
understandings. You are more able to understand the thoughts and actions of other
people around you. Your new thoughts lead to new actions, which encourage you to
accept new responsibilities.
Physical changes involve your body, height, and weight. During adolescence, you
can grow taller. You can become stronger and more flexible. Your voice can deepen
slightly. Your weight can increase or decrease. You can develop freckles or dimples.
Your hair can grow or change colour. Probably the most significant physical change
during puberty is that reproductive organs mature, allowing males to father a child
and females to carry a child.
What are the physical changes relating to sexuality that happen during
adolescence? Here are some of them:
erection: the • Erections occur. • The penis grows larger.

enlargement and
hardening of the • Menstruation begins. • Ovulation begins.
penis that occurs • Hair grows in the pubic region. • Testicles enlarge.
when it is stimulated
• Breasts enlarge. • Sperm is produced.
menstruation: the
monthly flow of
blood and fluids from It is important to remember that all these changes are natural. You will go through
a female’s vagina that your own unique process. It is also important to remember that everyone develops
occurs when an egg
is not fertilized; also at different rates both physically and sexually.
called a period
ovulation: the 1. Create a chart like the following one in your notebook. Indicate in it what
development and social, emotional, mental, and physical changes you have noticed in yourself.
release of an egg
(ovum) by the ovary
Changes
Social Emotional Mental Physical
Compare your answer with the one at the end of Part A: Human Sexuality.

Sexual Development
The reproductive systems of both males and females are made up of internal and
external body parts that allow humans to reproduce.
The internal parts are inside your body. The external parts are outside your body.
Each part, be it internal or external, is important for the reproductive process.
The Female Reproductive System

A baby girl is born with all parts of her reproductive system. It isn’t until puberty,
however, that she is able to reproduce. The female external reproductive area is
called the vulva. It is made up of the following parts:
• labia majora
• labia minora
• clitoris
• urethra
• vaginal opening
• hymen
clitoris
hymen
urethra
labia majora
vaginal opening
labia minora
The labia majora are the twin folds of skin covered with pubic hair around the
vaginal opening. These outer lips are padded with fat and serve as protection for the
genital area within.
The labia minora are the two folds of skin lying inside the labia majora. These inner
lips have no hair or padding. They do have oil and scent glands, tissue, and blood
vessels.

At the front of the body where the labia minora meet is a tiny organ called the
clitoris. It is about the size of a pea and is very sensitive. It has many nerve endings.
The clitoris plays an important role in sexual pleasure for females.
Located directly below the clitoris is the urethra. From the exterior, this part looks
like a small dimple. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to
the outside of the body.
The vaginal opening is below the urethra. This opening may be partially covered
by the hymen—a thin membrane which is eventually broken by sexual or other
physical activity.
The female internal reproductive organs include the following:
• vagina (birth canal)

• uterus
• cervix
• Fallopian tubes (oviducts)
• ovaries
Fallopian tube
ovary
uterus
urinary bladder
cervix
pubic bone
urethra
vagina
vaginal opening
The vagina connects the female’s external and internal reproductive organs. It is
the muscular passage that leads from the uterus to the outside world.
The uterus is a small, pear-shaped organ in the abdomen. It is often called

the womb. This is where the fertilized egg cell, or ovum, grows into a baby. If
fertilization has not occurred, the uterus is where menstruation begins each
month.

The cervix is the neck of the entrance to the uterus. It is located between the vagina
and uterus. Menstrual flow passes out of the uterus, through the cervix, down the
vaginal canal, and out the vaginal opening. During childbirth, the cervix can open
wide enough to allow a baby to pass through.
The Fallopian tubes are a pair of tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Each
tube is about 1.5 centimetres long and as wide as a strand of spaghetti. The tubes
serve as passageways from the uterus to the ovaries, where the egg cells are stored.
fertilization: the Fertilization occurs in these tubes when an egg cell unites with a sperm cell.
process in which an
egg from a female and
a sperm from a male Ovaries are the glands that store and ripen the eggs, or ova. They are about the size
unite
and shape of almonds. The ovaries contain hundreds of thousands of immature
With this union a new eggs. An ovum is produced and released once each month. There are over 200 000
life begins to develop.
ova within a woman’s ovaries, but only about 400 of these will mature during her
reproductive lifetime. The ovaries are responsible for making a hormone called
estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for the development of breasts, body shape, and
other changes that girls go through during puberty.
2. Label the following diagram.

The Male Reproductive System
A baby boy is born with all the parts of his reproductive system in place. Like girls,
it isn’t until puberty that boys are able to reproduce. In males the external organs
consist of the following:
• penis
• scrotum
• testicles (testes)
The penis is made up of spongy tissue interlaced with large blood vessels and
sexual intercourse: arteries. It has two functions. It is used to urinate, and it is used during sexual
physical joining of
a man and woman
intercourse to deposit semen into the female’s vagina.
when the penis is
inserted into the
vagina
The scrotum is a soft, wrinkly sac located behind the penis. It holds the testicles,
the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone. Sperm are
semen: thick white
fluid that comes
the male reproductive cells produced in the testicles. Testosterone is a hormone
out through the secreted by the testicles after puberty. It is responsible for the development of the
penis during sexual
excitement
following male sex characteristics:
• enlargement of the penis, scrotum, and testes

• body hair
• voice change
• body shape, by increasing muscle and bone mass
The internal organs of the male reproductive system are
• epididymis • vas deferens

• prostate gland • seminal vesicles
• urethra • Cowper’s glands
urinary bladder
seminal vesicle
vas deferens
pubic bone
prostate gland
Cowper’s gland
urethra
epididymis
penis
testicles
scrotum

The epididymis is a male reproductive gland consisting of tightly coiled tubes that lie
on the edge of each testicle. It is the place where sperm cells mature and are stored.
The prostate gland secretes one of the fluids in the semen. This fluid acts as a vehicle
for the sperm.
The urethra is the tube through which urine and semen in males pass from the body.
The vas deferens are the two tubes that transfer sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
The seminal vesicles are two small pouches that produce a fluid that mixes with the
sperm to produce semen.
Cowper’s glands produce a fluid that protects sperm cells from acids in the urethra.
3. Label the following diagram.
Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to questions 1 to 6.

Remember that the answers you submit in your Assignment Booklet will
contribute to your mark in this course, so be sure to do your best work.

Sexual Misunderstandings
Sexual misunderstandings develop because some find the information very
complicated. As well, this is a very personal topic, and individuals may be
uncomfortable talking about it. Learning about the female and male reproductive
sexually transmitted
disease (STD): a
systems is very important because it helps prevent people from receiving incorrect
disease that is passed information. Incorrect information can lead to disastrous consequences including
from person to person
through sexual
becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or having an
contact unintended pregnancy. Understanding human sexuality can lead to happy, healthy
pregnancy: the
lives, sexually and otherwise.
period during which
a woman carries a
developing embryo
Young adults often have the belief
or fetus in her uterus that a girl cannot get pregnant the
from conception to
birth
first time she has sexual intercourse.
The fact is that if a girl has begun
puberty, she can get pregnant. If she
begins to ovulate (the egg leaves the
ovary and makes its way down the
fallopian tube), she is considered
fertile. She may or may not have
had her first period at the time. She
and her partner should practise
abstinence or use condoms and
contraception: a other methods of contraception.
method of deliberately
preventing pregnancy
(Contraception prevents pregnancy,
but it is not 100 percent foolproof.)
This is just one example of many

misunderstandings that people
have about the way the human
reproductive system works. If you
have questions or if you don’t
understand something, be sure to
consult a reliable source—a parent, a
medical practitioner, a counsellor, or
a reference book.
4. Why do you think sexual misunderstandings occur?
Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to question 7.

Influences on Sexuality
In life many decisions must be made and acted upon. Some of these decisions relate
sexuality: refers to to sexual issues and activities. Making decisions about sexuality is complex and is
every aspect of a influenced by many factors.
person, in sexual
terms, including
physical make-up, Sexuality is a very powerful part of human life. It affects the way an individual
attitudes, values,
emotions, sex, sexual thinks, feels, and acts in various situations. It is part of what gives “maleness” or
orientation, and “femaleness” to an individual. What does it mean to be a male? What does it mean
sexual behaviour
to be a female? How is sexuality expressed? It is expressed in many ways including
one’s personal appearance, how one dresses, the roles one takes on in life, and
one’s personal patterns of behaviour, sexual feelings, sexual actions, and sexual
expression.
5. In your notebook, write your definition of sexuality.
The decisions you make about your sexuality are influenced by both external and
internal factors.
school community
personal beliefs family and

and values family values
External and Internal

Influences
the media peers
cultural values
These factors can influence the decisions that teens make about becoming involved
in sexual relationships.

External Influences
There are many external factors that influence sexual attitudes and behaviour. They
include
• family
• media
• school
• peers
• community
• culture
One major influence on sexual attitudes and behaviours comes from the home.
Sometimes teenagers feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about sexuality.
This can happen even in families where teens and their parents talk openly about
everything. So don’t worry if you feel this way.
In addition to the home, media (television, movies, music videos, newspapers,

magazines, catalogues, Internet, advertisements, billboards) can influence one’s
sexual attitudes.
Since media often highlight sexual

attractiveness, this can have an effect on
one’s personal values, sexual attitudes, and
behaviours. Girls have been encouraged to
dress attractively and be sweet, warm, and
affectionate. Boys, on the other hand, are
taught that physical strength and athletic
ability are desirable male characteristics.
The media can also influence what you believe

about relationships. Concerns arise when media
representations distort or are in conflict with
personal values and attitudes. It can affect the
way teens believe two people should act and
behave in a relationship. It can even encourage
sexual involvement at an early age.
The media gives teens many messages about sexual behaviour. Collect ads and
articles from a variety of publications for teens, and identify the underlying
messages about sexual behaviour in each.

A third influence on your sexuality is
school. Taking courses such as Health
and Life Skills 7 provides an individual
with information and opportunities for
developing responsible attitudes about
sexuality. A component like this one
provides students with a knowledge base.
Peers also influence your sexual attitudes.

You may be susceptible to peer pressure.
Sometimes a group of friends can exert a
lot of influence on you, and you may not
have the courage to go against what the
group dictates. Peers may provide you
with sexual information; but remember,
they don’t always have the correct information. As well, peer attitudes and values
may conflict with those of you and of your family.
In most communities there are qualified personnel, such as doctors and nurses in
health centres, who can provide you with valuable information about sexual issues.
culture: the beliefs Culture, too, can determine the way you think and talk about sex and sexuality. For
and values that form example, in some cultures males are expected to ask the females out on dates.
the basis for the way a
family lives
Research the gender roles of a specific culture or society either inside or outside
Canadian society. What is particularly interesting about the gender roles in this
society? How do these roles change during puberty? Prepare a report on your
findings.
Internal Influences
The most important internal influences on your decision making regarding
sexuality are your personal understandings, beliefs, and values. The kinds of
decisions you make regarding your sexuality will depend on the views you have,
your gender, your values, and the respect you have for yourself and for others.
Making decisions that do not fit with the ideals that are important to you can cause
discomfort, uneasiness, sorrow, and guilt.
It is important to discuss and identify your values with your family. Take some
time to ask your parents or guardians about some of the sexual values they have.
This will allow you to clarify and to become more aware of some of the values
your family has concerning sexuality. It will also encourage you to think about
your personal values and to behave in ways that are consistent with your personal
values. You may also have another trusted adult in your network who you can talk
to about sexual values.

6. So far, what two factors have had the greatest influences on your attitudes about
sexuality? Explain your answer.
Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to question 8.
Sexual Decision Making

Each person makes many decisions throughout life. Some of these decisions are
related to sexual health. Sexual decision making is a personal responsibility, which
means you are responsible for the decisions you make about your sexual behaviour.
Tyler is a junior high school student who has just started dating Natasha. He’s been
friends with her for some time. Now the relationship has changed, and they have
been holding hands and kissing. So far, they haven’t gone any further than that.
When he talks to his buddies about Natasha, some of them brag about their sexual
experiences with their girlfriends. Tyler doesn’t want to get left behind and doesn’t
know whether or not to become more
involved with Natasha. He must face these
pressures and make decisions about what
sexual behaviours are appropriate for him
and for her.
As you become physically and socially

mature, you will face decisions related to
how you will express your sexuality. Each
form of sexual expression is a choice or
decision you make, so you are responsible
for making decisions that you are
comfortable with. The choice to become
sexually involved with someone is the
responsibility of the people involved in the
relationship, so this decision should be a
shared one. Whatever Tyler decides, he has
to work it out with Natasha.
Only you can make and take action on a personal decision. If you have a boyfriend
or girlfriend, you will need to discuss your decisions with him or her. Making wise
decisions about sexual questions can enhance your self-esteem. The decisions you
make regarding your sexuality will have a lasting effect on your future.

Since sexual involvement requires shared decision making, both partners should
consider all factors and try to make a decision that is appropriate for him or her.
Factors that should be taken into consideration are
• personal values
• religious beliefs
• social beliefs
• attitudes of others
• readiness
Can the couple live with the decision? Does

the decision hurt others? What are the possible
consequences? Sometimes teenagers are not
ready for a long-term commitment. They may
experience a change in the feelings they have for
each other. Their feelings about themselves may
change. The attitudes of family and friends can
also influence teenage decision making. Sexual
decisions are complex, and they are influenced by
one’s values, self-respect, and respect for others.
Are you ready to be sexually involved? Your

decision to be sexually active or not is a very
important one. Before making a decision, think
through the situation. Consider the following:
• How well do you and your partner understand each other? Why do you
want to be sexually involved at this time? Are you both making this decision
because of peer pressure? Does this decision conform with each person’s
values and beliefs? Will you personally be comfortable, happy, and proud
about the decisions you make in this relationship?
• How mature are you both? Will you be able to cope with the emotions
associated with a sexual relationship? For example, how will you handle it if
you break up after you’ve been sexually involved?
• How willing is each of you to accept responsibility? Have you considered

the effects on your life of possible pregnancy or contracting an STD, even
HIV/AIDS? Are you and your partner responsible enough to use condoms
to prevent STDs and pregnancy? Are you and your partner responsible for
ensuring other methods of contraception (other than condoms) are used?
• How balanced is your relationship? Is one person in the relationship exerting

most of the pressure?

Peer Pressure
You are responsible for making decisions most suitable for your values, beliefs,
attitudes, and opinions. You may, however, sometimes be persuaded by your peers
to make decisions that go against what you believe. Some people can handle peer
pressure easily and others cannot. It is important for you to learn to handle peer
pressure to enable you to make responsible decisions concerning your sexuality.
You can use coping strategies such as the following for handling peer pressure:
• Choose your friends carefully.
• Do not worry about belonging to a group.
• Do things with people with whom you feel comfortable.
• Say what you think.
• Do not be afraid to say no.
• Before you find yourself in a situation where you are being pressured,
think about and talk about ways you can handle peer pressure.
• Think about what might happen if you become involved sexually.
• Be responsible for yourself.
• Do the best for yourself.
• Be yourself.
• Identify what is really important.
• Keep in mind that you are special, so be proud of it!
When handling peer pressure, remember that you are the one who really counts.
Always be yourself. Sometimes this is hard because your peers may reject you if you
do not go along with them. They may exclude you from activities. This might not
always be a negative thing. It can lead to new friendships and interests.

When others bully or hurt you when you do not follow what they want you to, it is
important that you get help and support. There are a number of people and places
that you can get help from, including the following:
• parents
• older siblings
• teachers
• school counsellor
• health clinic
• school nurse
• peer mentors/mediators
• police
Of course, you may also discuss any problems you have with a particular person
you talk to and trust.
7. Think about Tyler’s situation. He is feeling the pressures of not yet having done
more than some kissing in his relationship with Natasha. Some of the pressures
that adolescents face are imposed by others, and some are a result of the
changes that happen during puberty. Where might some of the pressures Tyler
is feeling come from?
You may still have some of your own questions about human sexuality. Use the
following Internet site to search for additional information that may help you
answer these questions:
http://www.teenshealth.org/
Be careful in selecting other websites for your research, and consider whether or
not the information on the website is accurate and reliable.
You may also choose to look in the library for books and articles that deal with the
topic of human sexuality for teens.
There are several important and responsible decisions to be made regarding sexual
involvement; deciding whether or not to become involved, deciding when to
become involved, and deciding how much to become involved are all part of the
process. Many factors will influence and affect your decisions on responsible sexual
expression.

Abstinence
Sexual intercourse can have far-reaching consequences including emotional
complications, pregnancy, and the transmission of diseases. One way of avoiding
abstinence: the these consequences is through the practice of abstinence. There are many
voluntary avoidance
of sexual intercourse
advantages to not having sexual intercourse at this time in your life. They include
the following:
• You never have to worry about pregnancy and the consequences it brings.
• You do not have to be concerned about getting STDs.
• You do not have to worry about contraception.
• You do not have to worry about being used for sex by a dishonest partner.
• You can focus on developing other important areas of a relationship.
• You gain self-esteem from standing up for what you believe in.
• Abstinence is available to everyone.
• The choice to be abstinent can be made any time.
• Abstinence is healthy and has no physical side effects.
Abstinence is a normal part of sexual

relationships. Throughout the life of a
relationship, many couples practise abstinence
in response to injury, illness, stress, or
separations. Many individuals who are abstinent
choose to engage in other sexual activities, such
as hugging, kissing, and holding.
Making a choice to abstain from sex means

you are taking responsibility for yourself and
others and using honesty and respect to make
individual choices. Remember, deciding to be
abstinent is your own personal choice. No one
else can make it for you. Take some time and
think about how you really feel about your
own situation and values. What can you do to
implement a decision to be abstinent? You can
• remind yourself of the reasons for choosing abstinence

• act on ideas for non-sexual ways of showing affection and support
• have appropriate adult supervision for group dates and parties
For more information about abstinence, visit the following websites:
• http://teenhealthcentre.com/articles/publish/ (Click on “Birth Control.”)

• http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Health/TeenHealth/sexualhealth/safersex.htm
• http://www.coolnurse.com/abstinence_sex.htm

8. Define abstinence.
9. Brainstorm reasons why teens choose to abstain from sexual activity.
10. If you were in a relationship, what things could you do to reduce or avoid the
pressures of becoming sexually involved?
Compare your answers with those at the end of Part A: Human Sexuality.
Making Decisions
Many of the decisions you make are related to your sexual health. It is, therefore,
very important that you have a decision-making model to help you make confident
decisions, especially those related to sexual choices. Sexual decision making is a
personal responsibility. You are responsible for the decisions you make about your
sexual behaviour.
Earlier in this course, you learned that a simple decision-making model allows you
to do the following:
• Define the problem.

• Identify the alternatives.
• Identify the positive and negative consequences.
• Make a decision.
11. Candice is in grade 7. She likes Jeff who is in

grade 8. A few months ago they met at a party and
really hit it off. Jeff has told Candice that he really
likes her. Candice thinks Jeff is great and daydreams
about him all the time. They have been to three
parties, but this seems to be the only time they spend
together. At first, they would dance and hold hands,
but now they spend most of their time necking.
Candice is concerned about what is happening but
feels unsure about talking to Jeff. He is really good
looking, and a lot of girls like him. She worries that
he might dump her for someone else. There is a party
on Saturday night and she does not know what to do.

Use the decision-making model as your guide to identify a responsible decision
for Candice.

What the Community Can Do
Though sexuality choices are private, they can also affect everyone in the
community. For this reason it is important that communities provide support for
making healthy choices about sexuality. A community can promote healthy sexual
choices by
• providing presentations by professional health-care workers

• providing volunteer supervision of teen recreation facilities
You may wish to investigate how organizations and agencies in your community
promote positive relationships and interactions between groups. These may include
• school districts and social agencies—Ask someone at one of these places how
school districts and social agencies promote healthy sexual choices.
• agencies and organizations—Check with an agency such as Planned

Parenthood for information on healthy sexual choices and the possible
consequences of sexual involvement.
Collect brochures or pamphlets from these services and agencies about ideas and
strategies for effective group processes and skills. Then create a reference binder
or a brochure that will become your own guide to building and enhancing healthy
relationships within groups.

J
ournal Entry
Reflect on what you have learned in Part A: Human Sexuality. There are
many changes that occur as you go through puberty. Therefore, it is
important to have an understanding of changes, including the reproductive
systems, so that you are comfortable with your body and yourself as an
individual. Each person expresses his or her sexuality in a different way. You
have looked at the various pressures that adolescents face when making
decisions about sexuality. Some of these pressures arise from the social,
emotional, mental, and physical changes that happen during puberty. Others
are external pressures that come from other people and situations that you
may be involved in. No matter what the pressures are, you are responsible for
making your own decisions and accepting the possible consequences of these
decisions.
Complete one of the following entries in your journal:
• When I think about the changes my body is going through, I feel . . .

• I like being female because . . . or I like being male because . . .
• To deal with peer pressures, I . . .
• To deal with the messages I see in the media, I . . .
• When I hear about the risks of sexual involvement, I . . .
• I believe practising abstinence would affect me by . . .
Be sure to express your own ideas and opinions and support them with
personal examples. Now, assess your journal entry using the scale that
follows.
JOURNAL RESPONSE

0 1 2 3 4
Undeveloped Partial Adequate Interesting Powerful
If you are comfortable doing so, share your journal writing with a friend, a
parent, or another interested adult. Ask this person for his or her reaction.
Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to questions 9 and 10.

Glossary
abstinence: the voluntary avoidance of pregnancy: the period during which a
sexual intercourse woman carries a developing embryo or
fetus in her uterus from conception to
adolescence: the period of growth between birth
childhood and adulthood
puberty: the period of early adolescence
contraception: a method of deliberately during which there is rapid physical
preventing pregnancy growth
culture: the beliefs and values that form the semen: thick white fluid that comes
basis for the way a family lives out through the penis during sexual
excitement
erection: the enlargement and hardening
of the penis that occurs when it is sexuality: refers to every aspect of a person,
stimulated in sexual terms, including physical
make-up, attitudes, values, emotions,
fertilization: the process in which an egg sex, sexual orientation, and sexual
from a female and a sperm from a male behaviour
unite
sexually transmitted disease (STD): a
menstruation: the monthly flow of blood disease that is passed from person to
and fluids from a female’s vagina that person through sexual contact
occurs when an egg is not fertilized;
also called a period sexual intercourse: physical joining of
a man and woman when the penis is
ovulation: the development and release of inserted into the vagina
an egg (ovum) by the ovary
Suggested Answers
1.
Changes
Social Emotional Mental Physical

• comfortable talking • mood changes • improved problem- • sperm production
to teachers • crying or getting solving skills • menstruation
• enjoy being alone upset easily • more efficient • sweating a lot more
to read • losing temper easily at scheduling • getting pimples
• have many different homework • body hair growing
friends • thinking about • skin getting oilier
world affairs and • height and weight
issues increasing, shape
changing

2.
Fallopian tubes
ovaries
uterus
cervix
vagina
vaginal opening
3.
seminal vesicles
prostate gland
vas deferens
epididymis
testicle
scrotum
penis

4. Sexual misunderstandings may occur because human sexual development can
be a sensitive topic for many people. Often, teens and adults give slang names to
reproductive organs to make it easier to talk about them. As a result, many teens
remain confused—what is that part really called? And what does it do? Do boys or girls
have it? Why does it happen to me? Misunderstandings can emerge from images in the
media and from anxieties about body image.
5. Your definition of sexuality may be similar to the following one:
Sexuality is the state of being that includes attitudes, values, feelings, beliefs, and
actions related to masculinity and femininity.
6. Any two of the following factors may have had an influence on your sexuality:
• personal beliefs • family • peers

• religious beliefs • media • community
• values • school • culture
Have you explained your answer?
7. Tyler is facing internal pressures that result from puberty—becoming interested in a

girl and undergoing emotional changes. Tyler may also be facing external pressures
that come from his peers and his need to belong by engaging in some of the same
sexual activities his friends say they do. He may be influenced by media images and
messages that promote an unrealistic body image and by his desire to be cool and fit
in.
8. Abstinence is the decision to not have sexual intercourse.
9. Some reasons why teens choose to abstain from sexual activity may include
• personal and family values • personal readiness

• religious beliefs • protection against pregnancy
• cultural beliefs • protection against sexually transmitted diseases
10. You could do some of the following to reduce or avoid the pressures of becoming
sexually involved:
• Communicate your feelings honestly at the beginning of the relationship.

• Avoid situations where drugs and/or alcohol are being used.
• Do activities together that are non-sexual in nature, such as playing sports.
• Avoid being alone together. Instead, choose to socialize in groups.
• Know where your sexual boundaries and limits are.

11. Define the Problem
Candice needs to decide whether to continue

her relationship with Jeff as it is, to try to
change the relationship, or to get out of the
relationship.
Identify the Alternatives
Candice could stop Candice could talk Candice could Candice could talk
dating Jeff. to Jeff about how ignore her feelings, to a friend.
she feels. do nothing,
and have the
relationship
continue as it is.
Identify the Positive and Negative Consequences
(+) Candice won’t have (+) Jeff might respect (+) Candice will still (+) Talking to a
to worry about her feelings and have Jeff. friend might help
necking with Jeff. understand. Candice to see her
(−) Candice alternatives.
(−) Candice may feel (−) Jeff might not will still feel
lonely or jealous if listen to Candice, uncomfortable (−) Talking to anyone
Jeff dates someone dismiss her and upset. other than Jeff
else. feelings, or break will not solve the
up with her. problem.
Make a Decision
Candice should talk to

Jeff about how she feels.
Image Credits
All images in this component were created by or for Alberta Education with the following noted
exceptions:
Page
1 Photodisc/Getty Images 13 Photodisc/Getty Images
2 Photodisc/Getty Images 14 Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
9 Photodisc/Getty Images 17 Barbara Penoyar/Photodisc/Getty Images
11 Eyewire/Getty Images 18 Eyewire/Getty Images
12 Photodisc/Getty Images 19 Photodisc/Getty Images

P art A Conclusion
Part A: Human Sexuality focused on
• the female and male reproductive systems

• sexual misunderstandings
• sexual decision making
• abstinence
This information will be helpful to you when making decisions about being sexually active. It will help
you make responsible and wise sexual decisions. It will prevent you from making decisions that could
lead to difficult consequences, such as contracting STDs or having an unwanted pregnancy.
Adolescence is a time of great changes in your growth and development. It is a time when you will
experience many social, emotional, mental, and physical changes. These changes make you unique
and special! They are part of your maturation process.
As you mature, you are faced with many opportunities to make decisions regarding your sexuality.
You are responsible for making sexual decisions that are healthy and positive. Studying human
sexuality should make you feel confident about making these decisions.

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© 2005 Alberta Education

Cover: both Photodisc/Getty Images; Page 25: Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Health and Life Skills 7

Students ✓ • Alberta Education, http://education.alberta.ca

THIS COURSEWARE IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF A LICENCE FROM A COLLECTIVE OR

© 2005 Alberta Education

People go through many changes—social, emotional,

It’s easy to feel embarrassed or anxious when talking

In Part A: Human Sexuality you will focus on

• the human reproductive process

Part A: Human Sexuality 1

© 2005 Alberta Education

Sometimes adolescents become anxious

Kids often become very aware and

2 Health and Life Skills 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

erection: the • Erections occur. • The penis grows larger.

Social Emotional Mental Physical

Part A: Human Sexuality 3

© 2005 Alberta Education

The Female Reproductive System

4 Health and Life Skills 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

The female internal reproductive organs include the following:

• vagina (birth canal)

The uterus is a small, pear-shaped organ in the abdomen. It is often called

Part A: Human Sexuality 5

© 2005 Alberta Education

2. Label the following diagram.

6 Health and Life Skills 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

• enlargement of the penis, scrotum, and testes

The internal organs of the male reproductive system are

• epididymis • vas deferens

Part A: Human Sexuality 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

3. Label the following diagram.

Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to questions 1 to 6.

8 Health and Life Skills 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

This is just one example of many

4. Why do you think sexual misunderstandings occur?

Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to question 7.

Part A: Human Sexuality 9

© 2005 Alberta Education

5. In your notebook, write your definition of sexuality.

personal beliefs family and

External and Internal

the media peers

10 Health and Life Skills 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

In addition to the home, media (television, movies, music videos, newspapers,

Since media often highlight sexual

The media can also influence what you believe

Part A: Human Sexuality 11

© 2005 Alberta Education

Peers also influence your sexual attitudes.

12 Health and Life Skills 7

© 2005 Alberta Education

Now open Assignment Booklet Part A and respond to question 8.

Sexual Decision Making

As you become physically and socially

Part A: Human Sexuality 13