Human Growth and Development 6 th Grade Science

Before Birth  A female egg that has been fertilized is called a zygote. For the next 8 weeks the developing human is called an embryo.  From the 8 th week until birth, the embryo is called a fetus.

Before Birth: (con’t)  The first trimester or first 3 months is a time of rapid growth and development. The fetus has all the organs a full term baby would have and a functioning heart and teeth buds.  The second trimester is when the brain develops considerably. The heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope and the mother can feel movement.  The third trimester is the last 3 months of pregnancy and the lungs are continuing to develop. The baby is preparing to leave the mother’s body.

Infancy- Birth to 2  The first 2 years of life babies undergo many changes and learn to do many things:  By Age of 1:  Grasping and sucking reflexes  Make discoveries with objects  Roll a ball, crawl, roll over, sit and stand

Infancy- Birth to 2 Toddlers: By the age of 2  Walk forwards, backwards, and move  Pick up toys  Push and pull objects  Walk up and down stairs

Childhood- 3 to 11 years  Infancy ends and childhood begins at about two years of age. Childhood continues until about the age of 13 years.  Children slowly become more active and independent.

Middle Childhood  Want to fit in  Want to make friends  Gain more responsibilites

Adolescence-12 to 18 years  Adolescence is the stage of development when children become adults physically and mentally.  Rapid time of physical growth and change.  These changes are controlled by hormones of the endocrine system.

Adulthood- 19 to 65  Legally adulthood begins at 18 for some activities and 21 for others.  Physical changes occur throughout adulthood.  Aging begins at 30.

Older Adults  After age 65, aging intensifies often leading to less efficient heart and lung action.  Older adults can share their knowledge and experience with younger people.