Key Messages

  • The sexual and reproductive system is an important system within the human body.
  • The purpose of the sexual and reproductive system is to enable humans to be conceived (made) and born.

Learning Intention

Students will: Identify some of the physical changes that occur during puberty.

Time

30 minutes.

Required Resources

  • Class set of ‘Typically' Male and ‘Typically’ Female reproductive system” worksheets.
  • Teacher reference sheets.
Download Required Resources

Teaching Notes

This activity may not be suitable to take home for all students as some may not be able to discuss the reproductive systems with their families. In this case, the activity can be used during class time. Sharing with adults at home should be encouraged, but not compulsory.

It is important to take some time with the class to note that all bodies are different. This can include differences in how someone's body looks or how someone feels about their gender. When we discuss bodies, we are referring to a person's sex. We often separate bodies into two sexes – male and female. Some people's bodies work differently to what might be expected for a typical male or typical female body, and may be intersex. A person's sex is separate from their gender, which describes a person's identity. People may have different relationships to their bodies and identities. Because of this the word ‘typically’ is used when referring to specific sexes. Students should be encouraged to apply the information that is fitting for them and their individual body.

Procedure

As a classroom activity:

  1. Distribute the worksheets to students providing them with the opportunity to label the body parts. Once students have completed this task independently correct and explain and answer any questions regarding the reproductive system. Encourage students to share the worksheet with adults at home.

As a homework activity:

  1. Hand out worksheets and explain that it is a homework activity
    that is to be completed with parents/carers.
  2. Students are to label and discuss the body parts on the worksheet.

Questioning

  1. Why do people sometimes use different words for these body parts?
  2. Why is it sometimes embarrassing to talk about private body parts?
  3. What are some of the physical changes that occur to the ‘typical’ male and ‘typical’ female reproductive systems?
  4. What triggers these changes?
  5. What people or sources of information can an individual access if they have any further questions?

Curriculum Information