NCERT Class 7 Science Curiosity: Chapter 6 — Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
This chapter, "Growing With Age: The Teenage Years," from NCERT Class 7 Science Curiosity, explores the stages of growth and change in living beings, focusing on humans. It begins by illustrating the growth process in plants and animals, highlighting the need for maturity before reproduction. The chapter then delves into human life stages, particularly adolescence, which typically occurs between ages 10-19. This period is characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and behavioural changes as the body prepares for adulthood. It emphasizes that humans, like other organisms, require growth and maturity to reproduce. The chapter aims to help students understand adolescence, its significance, and how to navigate it responsibly, encouraging discussion about observable changes in peers.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 297 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of growth and maturity in living organisms.
- Identify the different stages of human life.
- Recognize adolescence as a period of significant physical and emotional change.
- Understand the biological requirement for maturity before reproduction.
- Discuss observable changes during adolescence.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Germination | The process by which an organism grows from a seed or similar structure. |
| Sapling | A young tree. |
| Maturity | The state of being fully developed and capable of reproduction. |
| Reproduction | The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced. |
| Infancy | The state or period of being an infant; early childhood. |
| Childhood | The state or period of being a child. |
| Adolescence | The period of development between childhood and adulthood, typically from puberty to legal adulthood. |
| Adulthood | The stage in the life of a person when they are fully grown and considered legally responsible. |
| Old age | The period of life after middle age. |
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Practice questions
- What are some visible changes observed during the growth of a plant? Answer: Increase in height, appearance of more leaves, and development of flowers, fruits, and new seeds.
- Why do young ones need to grow and reach maturity? Answer: They need to grow and reach maturity to be able to reproduce.
- Name the different stages of human life. Answer: Infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
- What is the typical age range for adolescence? Answer: Typically between the ages of 10–19 years.
- What kind of changes occur during adolescence? Answer: Significant physical, emotional, and behavioural changes occur, marking the body's preparation for adulthood.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 6 of NCERT Class 7 Science Curiosity?
The chapter focuses on the stages of growth and change in living beings, with a special emphasis on human adolescence.
What is adolescence?
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development in humans, typically occurring between the ages of 10–19, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.
What kind of changes happen during adolescence?
During adolescence, individuals experience significant physical, emotional, and behavioural changes as their bodies prepare for adulthood and the ability to reproduce.
Why is maturity important for reproduction?
Like most living beings, humans need to grow and reach a stage of maturity to be capable of reproducing.
What is the purpose of Activity 6.1?
Activity 6.1 encourages students to discuss and identify observable changes among students as they progress through grades, focusing on aspects like height, strength, and behaviour.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Science — Curiosity — Chapter 6 — Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.