NCERT Solutions for Class 7th Science Chapter 6 Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
Updated on 2026-09-19
About this chapter
Adolescence is the stage of development between childhood and adulthood. It generally begins around 10 years of age and usually lasts until 19 years . Its timing and duration are different for every person, and that variation is completely normal. Puberty is the stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes and develops into an adult capable of reproduction. It is marked by the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics — features that help distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction. Visible changes include an increase in height , weight gain and greater strength, change in voice (growth of the voice box, seen as the Adam's apple in many boys), acne and pimples on the face, hair in the armpits and pubic region, and fa
- .1 Growing With Age: The Teenage Years
- .3 Emotional and Behavioural Changes in Adolescents
- .4.1 Meeting nutritional needs
- .4.3 Physical activities
- .4.4 Balanced social life
- .5 The 'Why' Question for Adolescence
- Chapter exercises
- Interdisciplinary projects
Quick revision
| Term | What it means | Example / detail from the chapter | Point to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adolescence | The stage of development between childhood and adulthood | Begins around 10 years and can continue up to 19 years | Each person experiences it at his or her own pace |
| Puberty | The stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction | Marked by the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics | Puberty is a part of adolescence — the two words are not the same |
| Secondary sexual characteristics | Features that help distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction | Change in voice, facial and chest hair in boys; development of breasts in girls | They are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood |
| Voice box | A structure in our throat that helps us to speak | Its growth in boys makes the voice sound hoarse | It grows in girls too, but less, so their voice changes only slightly |
| Adam's apple | The bump seen in the throat region because of the growing voice box | Seen in many adolescent boys | It is not noticeable in every individual — that too is normal |
| Acne and pimples | A skin condition in which small, reddish pimples appear, commonly on the face | Caused by increased oily secretions that clog the skin pores and lead to infections | Acne is the condition; pimples are a manifestation of it |
| Menstrual cycle | The recurring cycle in adolescent girls, generally every 28–30 days | Many healthy girls have cycles of 21–35 days | It is one of the signs of good reproductive health |
| Menstruation | The phase of the cycle when blood discharge occurs from the body | Lasts for three to seven days; stops naturally by 45–55 years | Some pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen on these days is common |
| Menstrual hygiene | Staying clean and comfortable during menstruation | Sanitary pads (Fig. 6.1), reusable cloth pads; MHS, RKSK and Suvidha schemes | Wrap a used pad in newspaper and put it inside a dustbin — never flush it |
| Substance abuse | Using addictive substances such as tobacco, gutka, alcohol or drugs regularly | Causes breathing difficulties, memory loss and damage to the lungs (Fig. 6.5) | Say 'NO' the first time and every time; helpline 14446 |
| Cyberbullying | Use of digital devices or online platforms to harass others | Misleading messages, false rumours, sharing personal information without consent (Fig. 6.4) | Do not feel scared or helpless — tell parents and teachers |
| Hormones | Certain chemicals produced in our bodies that regulate growth and development | Produced in different parts of the body, released in response to signals from the brain | They are the main reason the changes of adolescence happen when they do |
Exercises
- .1 Growing With Age: The Teenage Years — Activity 6.1: Let us discuss Page 74 & 756
- .1 Growing With Age: The Teenage Years — In-text Question Page 756
- .3 Emotional and Behavioural Changes in Adolescents — Activity 6.2: Let us list Page 786
- .4.1 Meeting nutritional needs — Activity 6.3: Let us list Page 796
- .4.1 Meeting nutritional needs — Science and Society Page 806
- .4.1 Meeting nutritional needs — Know a Scientist Page 806
- .4.3 Physical activities — In-text Questions Page 816
- .4.4 Balanced social life — Activity 6.4: Let us spread awareness Page 836
- .5 The 'Why' Question for Adolescence — In-text Question Page 846
- Chapter exercises — Let Us Enhance Our Learning Page 85 to 87
- Interdisciplinary projects — Exploratory Projects Page 88