Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change | Class 7 Science Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change from Class 7 Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
6.4.1 Meeting nutritional needs
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development, making nutrition critically important. Proteins and carbohydrates provide energy and support growth, while fats, vitamins, and minerals are essential for various bodily functions. For example, calcium from milk, curd, and paneer supports bone growth; iron from spinach and dried fruits aids blood formation. The section encourages students to identify locally available foods rich in these nutrients and understand their functions. It also highlights health issues like iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause blood-related problems, especially in adolescent girls. Government schemes aim to prevent such deficiencies. The contribution of scientist Dorothy Hodgkin, who studied vitamin B12's structure and won the Nobel Prize, is noted to emphasize the importance of vitamins obtained from diet.
📊 Diagram: Images show food items such as milk, millets, curd, cheese, paneer, spinach, kidney beans, and dried fruits, illustrating sources of key nutrients.
🧪 Activity: Activity 6.3: Students fill a table listing food sources, nutrients, and their functions based on locally available foods.
🔗 Connection: Connects to the importance of personal hygiene and health practices during adolescence.
Frequently asked questions
1. 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) The possible reasons for the development of pimples on Ramesh's face are the hormonal changes occurring during adolescence. These hormones increase the activity of oil glands in the skin, leading to pimples.
(ii) To get relief from pimples, Ramesh should maintain good personal hygiene by washing his face regularly with a mild cleanser, avoid touching or squeezing pimples, eat a balanced diet, and keep himself hydrated. If pimples persist, he may consult a doctor or dermatologist.
2. Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why? (i) [Image of food group (i)] (ii) [Image of food group (ii)]
The better option for adolescents is food group (ii) because it contains a balanced variety of nutrients including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates which are essential for growth and development during adolescence. Food group (i) may lack some essential nutrients or be less balanced.
Adolescents require a balanced diet to support rapid physical and biological changes.
3. Unscramble the underlined word 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 urtypeb. (iv) We should say NO to lahoclo and srugd as they are addictive.
(i) menstruation (ii) voice box (iii) puberty (iv) alcohol and drugs
Explanation: (i) 'nstmnoiaretu' unscrambles to 'menstruation', the monthly discharge of blood. (ii) 'iceov xob' unscrambles to 'voice box', which enlarges causing hoarseness. (iii) 'urtypeb' unscrambles to 'puberty', the stage of physical changes. (iv) 'lahoclo' and 'rsugd' unscramble to 'alcohol' and 'drugs', substances to avoid.
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?
Shalu is not correct. Adolescence brings not only physical changes but also emotional and behavioural changes. Adolescents may experience mood swings, changes in thinking, and social behaviour along with physical growth.
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