S1-3 Reproduction Teacher Notes
Introduction
This section covers a several aspects of 5-14 National Guidelines Science and Health Education. The intention is to provide online content and activities for pupils, along with additional teacher support in the form of suggestions and ideas for classroom work and downloadable activity sheets.
The pupil content begins with an introduction on the basic facts about the female and male reproductive systems and leads onto fusion of the gametes and foetal development.
Curriculum references
5-14 National Guidelines
Environmental Studies ~ Science ~ living things and the processes of life
| Strand | Level |
|---|---|
| The processes of life | C-E |
Health Education ~ taking responsibility for health
| Strand | Level |
|---|---|
| Physical health | C-E |
Classroom Applications
Female reproductive system
This section summarises the main structures and functions of the female reproductive system. Emphasis is placed on the OVARY, OVIDUCT, UTERUS and VAGINA.
Learning outcomes
- Name, locate and describe the functions of the reproductive structures.
Extension work
Annotate diagrams of female reproductive system. Diagram of female reproductive system PDF
Male reproductive system
This section summarises the main structures and functions of the male reproductive system. Emphasis is placed on the PENIS, TESTES and SPERM DUCT.
Learning outcomes
- Name, locate and describe the functions of the reproductive structures.
Extension work
Annotate diagrams of male reproductive system. Diagram of male reproductive system PDF
Gametes
The size and specialist structures of the egg and sperm cells are described. The concept of the haploid nucleus containing 23 chromosomes is introduced.
Learning outcomes
- Identify and describe how egg cells are adapted to their functions.
- DIdentify and describe how sperm cells are adapted to their functions.
- Explain that sperm and eggs each contain half the inherited information needed.
Extension work
Describe how IDENTICAL, NON-IDENTICAL and SIAMESE twins are produced.
Explain why cousins can sometimes have many similar characteristics to each other.
Learning outcomes
- Relate the idea of inherited material being carried in the gametic nucleus to the concept of siblings.
Fertilisation
The route taken by sperm cells to effect fertilisation is looked at. Emphasis is placed on the fact that only ONE sperm cell causes fertilisation and that this acts as a trigger for the development of a new individual.
Learning outcomes
- To describe fertilisation in terms of the fusion of cells.
- Sequence the changes in sperm and eggs during and after fertilisation.
Extension work
Write a piece of prose describing your life as a sperm cell trying to be the ONE that causes fertilisation.
Development of the foetus
This section covers the development of the foetus within the uterus, its protection by the amnion and the role of the placenta.
Learning outcomes
- Identify the structures in a pregnant uterus and explain the function of the amniotic fluid.
- Describe the general route taken by nutrients from the mother's digestive system to the foetus' brain.
- State that oxygen, water and food pass from the mother's blood to the foetus' blood and that carbon dioxide and other waste products pass in the opposite direction.
Activity
Make a model pregnant uterus, colour and label.
Extension work
Look at the idea that harmful substances can cross the placenta - nicotine, alcohol, illegal drugs, HIV, rubella virus. Investigate the potential harm which could be caused to a developing foetus and design a poster or information pamphlet warning pregnant women of the dangers.
Design a healthy diet for a pregnant woman, emphasising the additional requirements of pregnancy.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the effects of alcohol, smoking and drugs on a developing baby's growth.
- Recognise that a pregnant woman should avoid rubella.
Birth
This section briefly covers the breaking of the amniotic sac, dilation of the cervix and the role of the uterine contractions during the birth of the baby and subsequent expulsion of the placenta.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the process of birth as the cervix muscles relaxing, uterus muscles contracting and the foetus being pushed out, usually head first, with the placenta expelled afterwards.
Post-natal care
The changes faced by a baby immediately after birth.
Activity
Look at the pro's and con's of BREAST FEEDING. Have a class debate.
Learning outcomes
- Describe how a newborn baby obtains the nutrients it needs for growth.
- Recognise that breast milk contains anti-bodies that protect against common micro-organisms.
Summary
A brief synopsis of the information covered.
The web game
A true/false game to consolidate the information covered and test student knowledge. If the facts have not been successfully processed, the student is guided back into the study topic.
Useful web links
The Government's guidelines on SRE are available at:
The Sex Education Forum of the National Children's Bureau is online at:
Further information on contraception is available at:
Information on family planning is available from the fpa (formerly The Family Planning Association) which is a registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK. The site is available at:
For the latest information on HIV and STIs data in the UK visit the Public Health Laboratory Service site at:
The Department of Health information web site on sexual health is available at:
The National AIDS Trust (NAT) aims to promote a wider understanding of HIV and AIDS.
Downloads
Pupil Section Exe Files
These are versions of the pupil material for this topic that you can download and use offline. Simply save the .exe file to your desktop and double-click it.
Reproduction
PDF files
Diagrams of female reproductive system PDF
Diagrams of male reproductive system PDF
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