NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change are designed to spark curiosity among students about the major changes that occur during adolescence. This chapter, as per the NCERT Class 6 Science syllabus, focuses on key concepts like puberty, hormonal changes, secondary sexual characteristics, emotional and behavioural changes, and the importance of personal hygiene and balanced diet.
The solutions explain physical developments like voice change, growth of facial hair, and menstruation in girls, while also addressing common health issues such as anemia due to iron deficiency. These answers help students explore and understand the changes they experience, encouraging healthy habits and body positivity.
Adolescence is a crucial stage in human development, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. This period, usually between the ages of 11 and 19, is filled with rapid physical, mental, and emotional changes. In this chapter, students learn about puberty, a process triggered by hormones that leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as voice change in boys and breast development in girls. The chapter also covers important topics like growth spurts, mood swings, development of reproductive organs, and personal hygiene during adolescence, especially menstrual health in girls.
It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, and saying no to harmful substances like alcohol and drugs. Students also learn how hormones like testosterone and estrogen play a role in these changes. By understanding the science behind adolescence, learners can face this stage with confidence, develop healthy habits, and become more aware of themselves and others.
Below is the solution for Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change question and answers.
Activity 6.1: Let us discuss
Take a jar and some paper slips.
Write down the changes you can notice among students as they go from Grades 5 to 8.
These could be related to height, strength, behaviour, or any other aspect. Please avoid writing names on the slips. Adolescence:
Fold the slips and place them in the jar. Mix all the slips received from the students in the class and unfold the collected slips one by one. Based on the information on the slips, discuss the changes with the students in the class. What were the mostcommonly observable changes among students, as mentioned on the slips?
List these in Table 6.1
.
Answer:
Table 6.1 Common Changes Observed from Grade 5 to 8
S. No. |
Changes Observed |
1. |
Increase in height |
2. |
Increase in weight and strength |
3. |
Growth of body and facial hair |
4. |
Change in voice (especially in boys) |
5. |
Development of breasts (in girls) |
6. |
Emotional changes or mood swings |
7. |
Acne or pimples on face |
8. |
Need for independence and privacy |
9. |
Interest in opposite gender |
10. |
More awareness about appearance |
Activity 6.2: Let us list Take a moment to think if there are any changes in your emotions or behaviour or that of your classmates and friends in the past one or two years. These changes may be exciting, confusing, or both. Let us list some emotional changes in Table 6.2 along with their probable effects on behaviour and ways for positive growth and development.
Answer:
Table 6.2 Emotional changes, their effects, and ways for positive growth
Key Emotional Changes |
Probable Effects on Behaviour |
Ways for Positive Growth and Development |
Mood swings |
Sudden changes in mood, irritability, frustration |
Engage in hobbies like music, dance, art, or sports to release emotions |
Strong emotions |
Overreaction to situations, excitement, or sadness |
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and spend time with family |
Increased sensitivity |
Easily hurt by words or actions, feeling misunderstood |
Express feelings through writing or drawing; open conversations with trusted adults |
Self-consciousness |
Worry about looks or what others think |
Build confidence through self-acceptance and focus on strengths |
Desire for independence |
Disagreeing with elders, wanting to make own decisions |
Encourage responsible decision-making and involve in family discussions |
Peer pressure |
Trying to fit in or copy friends' behaviour |
Teach assertiveness and the value of individual identity |
Compassion |
Showing concern for others, emotional bonding |
Participate in social service and group activities |
Curiosity and confusion |
Asking questions about body and mind, feeling uncertain |
Provide accurate information and guidance from parents and teachers |
Involvement in social issues |
Increased interest in fairness, justice, or helping others |
Involvement in group projects and volunteering activities |
Activity 6.3: Let us list Based on the locally available foods, fill Table 6.3 with the healthy food sources, nutrients present in them and how these nutrients can help our growth and development
Answer:
Table 6.3 Food, Nutrients, and Their Functions
Food Sources |
Nutrients We Get from Them |
Functions of These Nutrients |
Milk, millets, curd, cheese, and paneer |
Calcium, Proteins, Fats |
Help in optimal bone growth, building muscles, and provide energy |
Eggs, pulses, lentils, soybeans |
Proteins |
Help in the repair of body tissues, muscle growth, and hormone function |
Spinach, kidney beans, and dried fruits like raisins, figs |
Iron |
Help in the formation of blood (hemoglobin) and prevent anaemia |
Fruits like oranges, amla, guava, and lemons |
Vitamin C |
Strengthen the immune system and help in the absorption of iron |
Carrots, papaya, mango, and sweet potato |
Vitamin A |
Maintain healthy eyesight and skin |
Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables |
Vitamins, Minerals, and Fibre |
Improve digestion, boost energy, and support overall growth |
Activity 6.4: Let us spread awareness Work in groups to design posters and pamphlets about various aspects of responsible social media behaviour and paste them at designated places in the school. Also, fill in Table 6.4 based on your collective observations.
Answer:
Table 6.4 Dos and Don’ts to be Followed on Social Media
Dos |
Don’ts |
Be respectful and kind in your comments/posts |
Do not share personal photos with strangers or online-only friends |
Think before posting anything online |
Don’t post or forward fake news or rumors |
Protect your passwords and privacy settings |
Never share your personal details like address, phone number, or school |
Use social media for learning and creative work |
Don’t bully or make fun of others online (cyberbullying) |
Report harmful or inappropriate content |
Don’t accept friend requests from unknown people |
Set time limits for social media use |
Don’t spend too much time on social media and ignore studies or health |
Page 80
Question 1. Adolescents, especially girls, may sometimes suffer from blood-related health problems because of a deficiency of iron or vitamin B12 in the body.
(i) Find out about such health problem(s).
Answer:
A common blood-related health problem caused by deficiency of iron or vitamin B12 is anaemia. In this condition, the level of haemoglobin in the blood becomes low. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to all parts of the body. When its level drops, the oxygen supply reduces, making a person feel tired, weak, pale, and dizzy.
(ii) How can we manage iron deficiency in our body?
Answer:
Iron deficiency can be managed by eating iron-rich foods such as:
Green leafy vegetables (like spinach)
Pulses and lentils
Beans
Fortified cereals
Meat and liver (for non-vegetarians)
Dry fruits like dates and raisins
Also, Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and lemons help in better absorption of iron.
(iii) Find out about government schemes aimed to prevent such deficiencies.
Answer:
Some government schemes to prevent iron and vitamin deficiencies include:
National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI): Focuses on providing iron and folic acid supplements to children and adolescents.
Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): A nationwide campaign to reduce anaemia among girls, boys, women, and children.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides nutritious meals in schools to improve students’ health and fight malnutrition.
Question 2. Discuss the sources of vitamin B12 with your teacher.
Answer:
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-based foods, such as:
Milk and dairy products
Eggs
Meat (chicken, mutton, liver)
Fish and seafood
Fortified cereals and supplements (for vegetarians)
Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can lead to weakness, fatigue, and nerve-related issues.
Let Us Enhance Our Learning
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?
(ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?
(i) Answer: Ramesh’s pimples are likely due to hormonal changes that happen during puberty. These hormones increase oil production in the skin, which can clog the pores and cause pimples.
(ii) Answer:
Wash face with a mild cleanser regularly
Drink lots of water
Eat healthy food with fruits and vegetables
Avoid touching or squeezing pimples, as it can make them worse
Q2. Which food group is better for adolescents and why?
Answer: Food group (ii) is better because it includes vegetables, grains, milk, and other healthy items. These foods give important nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for the growth, energy, and overall health of adolescents.
Question 3. Unscramble the underlined words in the following sentences:
(i) The discharge of blood in adolescent girls which generally occurs every 28–30 days is nstmnoiaretu.
(ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged iceov xob.
(iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of urtvpeb.
(iv) We should say NO to lahoclo and srugd as they are addictive.
Answer:
Scrambled Word |
Correct Word |
nstmnoiaretu |
menstruation |
iceov xob |
voice box |
urtvpeb |
puberty |
lahoclo and srugd |
alcohol and drugs |
Question 4. 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:
Shalu is only partly correct. Adolescence is not just about physical changes like height increase or body hair growth. It also involves mental, emotional, and social changes. For example, adolescents may experience mood swings, a desire for independence, and start thinking more about their identity. So, adolescence is a phase of complete development — not just physical, but also emotional and behavioural.
Question 5. During a discussion in the class, some of the 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.
(ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.
Answer:
For Point (i):
Questions to ask:
Do you think behavioural changes are normal during adolescence?
Instead of ignoring them, how can understanding these changes help adolescents grow better?
What are the positive ways to handle emotional ups and downs?
For Point (ii):
Questions to ask:
Why do you believe a person can stop using a harmful substance easily?
Have you heard about addiction and how it affects brain function and self-control?
Do you know anyone or have read any stories where trying harmful substances even once led to serious problems?
Question 6. 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:
Adolescents go through several behavioural changes during this stage, such as:
Strong and changing emotions – They may feel happy one moment and upset the next
Desire for independence – They want to make their own choices and not always follow adults' rules.
Peer pressure – They try to fit in with friends or do what others are doing, even if it’s not right.
Self-identity exploration – They start thinking about who they are and what they believe in.
Increased screen time – Many spend more time on mobile phones, games, and social media.
Question 7. While using a toilet, Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. She got upset and shared her feelings with her friends. They discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?
Answer:
Good menstrual hygiene is very important for health and cleanliness. Here are some useful habits:
Always use clean sanitary pads or reusable cloth pads during periods.
Change pads every 4 to 5 hours, or sooner if needed, to avoid infections.
Wash the genital area properly with clean water to maintain hygiene.
Wrap used pads in paper or biodegradable bags before throwing them into a covered dustbin.
Never flush sanitary pads down the toilet as it can block the drainage.
Wash your hands properly with soap and water before and after handling pads.
Educate others about proper disposal and hygiene to create a healthy environment.
Question 8. Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor who gave her medication and asked to take iodine-rich diet. Similarly, a bump was developed on the front of Manoj’s neck when he turned 12. However, the doctor told him that it was a part of growing up. According to you, what could be the possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently
Answer:
The reason for different advice is that Mary's bulge on her neck was likely caused by a condition called goitre, which is due to iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland enlarges when it doesn’t get enough iodine, and the doctor asked her to eat iodine-rich foods like iodized salt and seafood.
In Manoj's case, the bump on his neck was not a health issue but a normal part of puberty. It was the voice box (larynx) growing bigger, which happens more in boys and is called the Adam’s apple. This is why the doctor said it was a normal sign of growing up.
Question 9.
During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below.
(i) Change in voice
(ii) Development of breasts
(iii) Growth of moustache
(iv) Growth of facial hair
(v) Pimples on the face
(vi) Growth of hair in the pubic region
(vii) Growth of hair in armpits
Categorise these changes in the table given below:
Physical changes during adolescence |
||
Observed only in boys |
Observed only in girls |
Common in boys and girls |
Answer:
Observed only in boys |
Observed only in girls |
Common in boys and girls |
(i) Change in voice |
(ii) Development of breasts |
(v) Pimples on the face |
(iii) Growth of moustache |
(vi) Growth of hair in the pubic region |
|
(iv) Growth of facial hair |
(vii) Growth of hair in armpits |
Students can download the NCERT Solutions PDF for Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence A Stage of Growth and Change PDF link given below. This PDF will help you understand the chapter easily and prepare well for your exams.
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The solutions explain physical, emotional, and behavioral changes during adolescence in simple and easy language.
All answers strictly follow the NCERT syllabus and are based on textbook questions.
Students can revise quickly and practice important questions that often appear in exams.
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