CKSci Unit 6: Human Hormones and Reproduction
Focus:
The release of hormones is necessary both for day-to-day body functions and for the growth and development of the human body. Students may not be familiar with the different ways in which hormones are released; the different body structures, such as glands, that release hormones; and the effects of hormones on the body.
In this unit, students will consider the endocrine system, the hormones released, and the hormones’ role in human growth and development. Depending on the phase of life, the endocrine system will release hormones that trigger growth and development.
With the onset of puberty, the human body will develop so that it may reproduce through sexual reproduction. This unit presents the changes a body goes through in puberty—both male and female– and then discusses the anatomy and function of human reproductive biology and the reproductive process including fertilization, embryo development, and birth.
Number of Lessons: 7
Instruction Time:
- Because this unit is not designed to support any specific NGSS Performance Expectation, the instructional episodes are not grouped into multipart lessons. As such, they are identified simply as lessons instead of lesson segments.
- Each Lesson is designed to be completed in one 30–45-minute class period.
- Some single-day activities and performance tasks might require setting aside a longer block of time.
- This Unit should be completed in about 30 classroom days.
- A Pacing Guide Template is usually provided within the Teacher Guide so teachers can map out customized instructional days for this unit.
- A complete list of Materials needed to complete the unit is provided in Online Resources.
Additional Search Terms:
gland • growth • hormone • mature • adolescent • endocrine system • homeostasis • metabolism • feedback loop • adrenal gland • hypothalamus • pituitary gland • pancreas • thyroid gland • puberty • reproductive system • menstruation • penis • vagina • fertilization • embryo • pregnancy • birth • fetus • birth • nonfiction • informational text
