NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 6: Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change by PW

Adolescence is a period when several changes take place in the body and mind, and understanding these changes can sometimes raise questions. Physical growth, pimples, changes in voice, body hair, menstruation and mood swings are some of the changes that may occur during this stage. Proper nutrition, hygiene, emotional well-being and awareness of healthy habits are also important during adolescence.

The Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 6 Solutions explain the textbook questions from Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change with clear answers and simple explanations. They cover puberty, nutrition, behavioural changes, menstrual hygiene, secondary sexual characteristics, thyroid health, harmful substances and healthy lifestyle practices.

Class 7 Science Chapter 6 NCERT Solutions

The chapter uses familiar situations and questions to explain the changes associated with adolescence and the importance of healthy habits.

Q1. Ramesh, an 11-year-old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body.

(i) What could be the possible reasons for the development of these pimples on his face?

Answer:

Ramesh may be entering puberty, during which several hormonal changes take place in the body.

Possible reasons for the development of pimples include:

1. Hormonal changes occur during puberty.

2. The oil glands in the skin may become more active.

3. These glands produce more sebum, an oily substance.

4. Excess sebum can block skin pores.

5. Blocked pores can allow bacteria to grow and may lead to pimples.

Keywords: Puberty, hormonal changes, oil glands, sebum, blocked pores and bacteria.

(ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?

Answer:

Ramesh can take the following measures:

1. Wash his face regularly with a mild cleanser or soap.

2. Maintain good personal hygiene.

3. Follow a balanced diet.

4. Avoid repeatedly touching or squeezing pimples.

5. Seek medical advice if the pimples are severe or persistent.

Q2. Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why?

The food groups shown in the textbook include one group consisting mainly of junk or fast food and another containing a variety of nutritious foods.

Answer: Food group (ii) is the better option.

Reason:

Food group (ii) provides a more balanced combination of nutrients needed during adolescence. It can provide:

• Proteins required for growth and repair.

• Vitamins and minerals needed for proper development.

• Other nutrients required for maintaining good health.

Adolescents need nutritious food because their bodies undergo rapid growth and development. A diet consisting mainly of junk food may not provide all the nutrients required by the body.

Q3. Unscramble the underlined words.

(i) The discharge of blood in adolescent girls which generally occurs every 28–30 days is "nstmnoiaretu".

Answer: Menstruation

(ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged "eiceov xob".

Answer: Voice box

(iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of "urtypeb".

Answer: Puberty

(iv) We should say NO to "loholco" and "srugd" as they are addictive.

Answer: Alcohol and drugs

Q4. Shalu told her friend, "Adolescence brings only physical changes, like growing taller or developing body hair." Is she correct? What would you change in this description of adolescence?

Answer: No, Shalu is not completely correct.

Adolescence involves more than physical growth. During this stage, a person may experience:

• Physical changes, such as an increase in height and development of body hair.

• Mental changes, including changes in thinking and understanding.

• Emotional changes, such as increased emotional sensitivity and mood changes.

Therefore, adolescence is a period of overall physical, mental and emotional development.

Q5. During a discussion in the class, some students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points?

(i) "Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes."

Answer:

The following questions can help examine this statement:

1. Can behavioural changes during adolescence influence relationships, studies or decision-making?

2. Is it appropriate to ignore changes in behaviour instead of understanding and managing them?

3. Why is developing healthy behaviour important during adolescence?

These questions show that behavioural changes can be an important part of growing up and should be understood appropriately.

(ii) "If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want."

Answer:

The following questions can be asked:

1. Why do some people find it difficult to stop using addictive substances?

2. Can experimenting with harmful substances increase the risk of repeated use?

3. Why is it safer to avoid addictive substances altogether?

Harmful substances can lead to dependence and other health problems, so adolescents should avoid them.

Q6. Adolescents sometimes experience mood swings. On some days, they feel very energetic and happy, while on other days, they may feel low. What other behavioural changes are associated with this age?

Answer:

Other behavioural changes that may occur during adolescence include:

1. A growing desire for independence.

2. Increased awareness of one's appearance and self-image.

3. Greater importance given to friendships and peer influence.

4. Increased curiosity and interest in new experiences.

5. Greater emotional sensitivity or confusion at times.

These changes are a part of the physical, mental and emotional development associated with adolescence.

Q7. Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?

Answer:

The following menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits should be followed:

1. Use clean and suitable menstrual products.

2. Change sanitary pads regularly.

3. Wrap used pads properly before placing them in a suitable waste bin.

4. Do not throw used pads in open areas or toilets.

5. Keep the genital area clean during menstruation.

6. Do not flush sanitary pads down the toilet because they can block drainage systems.

7. Wash hands properly with soap and water before and after handling menstrual products.

8. Encourage awareness about safe menstrual hygiene and disposal practices.

Q8. Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. Her doctor gave her medication and asked her to take an iodine-rich diet. Manoj developed a bump on the front of his neck when he turned 12, but his doctor said it was a normal part of growing up. Why were Mary and Manoj advised differently?

Answer:

Mary and Manoj had different causes for the changes in their necks.

Mary:

• The bulge in Mary's neck may be due to goitre, which can occur because of iodine deficiency.

• Goitre is associated with the thyroid gland.

• Therefore, her doctor advised medication and an iodine-rich diet.

Manoj:

• Manoj's bump is the Adam's apple.

• It is a normal physical change during puberty in boys.

• It develops as the larynx or voice box grows.

Therefore, Mary's condition required medical attention, while Manoj's Adam's apple was a normal change associated with puberty.

Q9. During adolescence, boys and girls undergo certain physical changes. Categorise the following changes.

The changes given are:

1. Change in voice

2. Development of breasts

3. Growth of moustache

4. Growth of facial hair

5. Pimples on the face

6. Growth of hair in the pubic region

7. Growth of hair in armpits

Answer:

Q10. Prepare a poster mentioning tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle.

Answer:

Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Adolescents

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Include nutritious foods that provide the nutrients required for growth and development.

• Exercise Regularly: Stay physically active to support fitness and overall well-being.

• Maintain Personal Hygiene: Keep the body clean and follow good hygiene habits.

• Get Enough Sleep: Follow healthy sleeping habits and give the body enough time to rest.

• Avoid Harmful Substances: Stay away from alcohol, drugs and other addictive substances.

• Manage Stress and Emotions: Talk to trusted people and use healthy ways to deal with emotional changes.

• Stay Positive and Confident: Develop healthy self-esteem and maintain supportive relationships.

• Follow Healthy Habits: Make responsible choices that support physical and emotional well-being.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 6 PDF

Revision becomes easier when the important questions and answers are available together. The Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 6 Solutions PDF covers questions on adolescence, puberty, nutrition, hygiene, physical changes and healthy lifestyle habits.

How Can NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Solutions by PW Support Learning?

The NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Solutions by PW explain adolescence through textbook questions, familiar examples and health-related situations. Important learning areas include:

• Understand Adolescence and Puberty: Learn about the stage of growth and the biological changes that occur during puberty.

• Recognise Physical Changes: Understand changes such as increased height, body hair, pimples, voice changes and development of secondary sexual characteristics.

• Learn About Nutrition: Understand why adolescents need a balanced diet containing essential nutrients for healthy growth.

• Understand Emotional and Behavioural Changes: Learn how mood swings, self-awareness, curiosity, independence and peer influence may be associated with adolescence.

• Learn About Menstrual Hygiene: Understand healthy practices related to menstrual care, personal hygiene and safe disposal of sanitary products.

• Understand Thyroid Health: Learn why iodine is important and differentiate a health condition such as goitre from normal puberty-related changes such as the Adam's apple.

• Recognise the Risks of Harmful Substances: Understand why alcohol, drugs and other addictive substances should be avoided.

• Develop Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Learn the importance of nutritious food, physical activity, adequate sleep, hygiene and emotional well-being during adolescence.

Growing up involves changes in the body, emotions and behaviour, making adolescence an important stage to understand. The NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Solutions cover questions on puberty, nutrition, menstruation, hygiene, behavioural changes, thyroid health and healthy habits. Revising these topics can help children understand the changes they experience and develop awareness of practices that support healthy growth.

Related Resources

• CBSE Class 7 Science Syllabus

• CBSE Class 7 Science NCERT Solutions

• CBSE Class 7 Science Sample Papers

• CBSE Class 7 Science Notes