Science · Class 8
Reaching the Age of Adolescence
Puberty, hormones, reproductive health, and personal hygiene.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
Adolescence (11–19 years) is transition from childhood to adulthood. Puberty brings secondary sexual characters via hormones — testosterone in males, estrogen in females.
Puberty Changes
- Increase in height, voice change (boys)
- Development of breasts (girls), facial hair (boys)
- Reproductive organs mature; onset of menstruation in girls
Endocrine System
- Pituitary: growth hormone
- Thyroid: thyroxine — metabolism
- Adrenal: adrenaline — fight or flight
- Pancreas: insulin — blood sugar
Reproductive Health
- Balanced diet, exercise, hygiene during menstruation
- Say no to drugs, tobacco, alcohol
- UNICEF and government health programmes
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Hormones
Which hormone causes secondary sexual characters in boys?
- 1Testosterone from testes
- 2Develops facial hair, deeper voice
- 3Pituitary triggers hormone release
Answer
Testosterone
Menstruation
What is menstruation?
- 1Monthly shedding of uterine lining in girls
- 2If no fertilisation, lining breaks down
- 3Part of menstrual cycle from puberty
Answer
Monthly uterine lining shedding
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Adolescents need extra iron and calcium
- ✓ Pimples common due to hormonal changes
- ✓ Sex determination: X and Y chromosomes
Exam Tips
- • List changes at puberty in boys and girls
- • Name endocrine glands and hormones
- • Why is balanced diet important in adolescence?
Practice MCQs — Reaching the Age of Adolescence
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Adolescence is roughly: