Format
Program begins with a welcome and introduction by a Denver Museum of Nature & Science professional educator.
Program topic will be introduced with an opening discussion question.
Students follow along as educator introduces vocabulary and content, recording material in their student journals.
Course is 60 minutes in length, with last 15 minutes being designated for student-driven Q&A.
Objectives
The participants will become familiar with the concepts and vocabulary behind the physical, emotional, and chemical changes that occur in the human body during puberty.
I. What is puberty?
II. When does puberty typically start?
III. What causes puberty to start?
IV. Changes that occur in both male & female bodies:
a. Voice changes
b. Growth
c. Body hair
d. Body shape changes
e. Body odor
f. Acne
g. Emotional changes
h. Interest changes (non-sexual)
V. Changes that occur specific to male bodies:
a. Sperm production
b. Erections and ejaculation
c. Nocturnal emission
VI. Changes that occur specific to female bodies:
a. Breast development
b. Ovulation/egg maturation
c. Menstruation and the menstrual cycle
While students receive the same presentation regardless of whether their school chooses to separate classes by sex, we encourage keeping this program co-ed as we have found it facilitates better student discussion and a more mature approach to the subject matter. We have designed the class accordingly. We provide an excellent knowledge base which teachers and families are encouraged to extend.
Questions surrounding puberty are encouraged and are answered in a scientific, tactful manner or are redirected to the classroom teacher of student’s family if they are beyond the scope of the outline.
Topics not covered in this class include sexual intercourse, gestation and childbirth, abortion, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, sexuality, or gender and identity. The focus on this class is the basic biology and anatomy of developing reproductive systems, not the act of reproduction itself.
The museum does not customize this program for each class. We respect that individuals have differing views and values on how to educate students regarding puberty and trust teachers and family members to decide whether this program is the right fit for your child/children.
Standards Alignment
State Standards
Colorado Comprehensive Health - Fifth Grade, Standard 2. Physical & Personal Wellness
• GLE2 Explain the structure, function, and major parts of the human reproductive system.
1. Summarize the anatomy of the reproductive system, including functions of the male and female reproductive systems.
2. Describe the purpose of the menstrual cycle and its relationship to fertilization.
• GLE3 Describe the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur at puberty.
1. Discuss why puberty begins and ends at different ages for different people, and that variance is considered normal.
2. Identify how personal hygiene practices can impact health and safety during puberty.
3. Determine factors that influence the purchase of health care products and the use of personal hygiene practices.
4. Discuss how changes during puberty affect thoughts, emotions, growth patterns, and behaviors.