6.ICR.3.1

6.ICR.3.1 Identify the challenges associated with transitions in social relationships that take place during puberty and adolescence.Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Puberty is defined as the development of secondary sex characteristics and the beginning of reproductive capacity. In addition to the physical changes that occur during puberty, there are challenges for young people that are emotional and social.

A normal transition during adolescence is the likelihood that peer pressure will increase. Most young people are becoming increasingly independent from their parents/caregivers and more dependent on their acceptance within the peer group. Peer pressure can be either positive or negative, depending on whether the outcome puts a person at greater or lesser risk. For many youth, fitting in becomes a goal and not fitting in can be devastating. Lack of peer acceptance can lower self-esteem and increase risk-taking behaviors. It may be a factor in experimentation with alcohol or drugs, negative patterns of eating or eating disorders, sexual risk taking, or bullying behaviors.

Being able to distinguish between relationships that are respectful and those that are not is an important skill. Some youth need assistance from an adult to get out of a disrespectful relationship.
 * The student will describe the social challenges of puberty and adolescence.
 * The student will handle negative peer pressure with confidence and avoid pressuring others.
 * The student will engage in respectful relationships.

6.ICR.3.2 Summarize the relationship between conception and the menstrual cycle.Ovulation-menstruation is the normal cycle that means that a girl or woman is capable of reproduction. The process is triggered by the pituitary gland, which send signals for hormone production during puberty. About a year or two after the beginning of the development of secondary sex characteristics (pubic hair, development of breast buds), the ovaries begin to release ova (usually one, from alternate ovaries each cycle). The ripened ovum travels from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where fertilization can take place if sexual intercourse has occurred and if there is the presence of sperm. If the ovum is not fertilized, it disintegrates and passes from the body through the vagina. After ovulation, if a pregnancy does not occur, tissue builds up in the uterus to support the developing fetus if conception occurs. That material sloughs off and leaves the body, the process being called menstruation. The four stages of ovulation-menstruation are menses, estrogenic, ovulation, and progestational. Ovulation is most likely to occur 14 days before the next menstruation.

The O-M cycle may be regular or irregular; may occur every 20 to 35 days (with 28 or 29 days being the average). The menstrual flow may last three to five days and be heavy or light. Preventing pregnancy by avoiding the most likely days for ovulation is not considered a reliable method. The difficulty relates to the length of time that sperm or ova live in the woman’s body as well as the possibility of irregular cycles. The younger the female, the greater likelihood of irregular cycles.

The female will continue to ovulate and menstruate throughout her reproductive years. Many girls and young women find it helpful to keep a calendar to be prepared with feminine hygiene products when needed.
 * The student will describe the sequence of changes that occur during the ovulation-menstruation cycle.
 * The student will describe why it is difficult to rely on counting days as a method of preventing pregnancy.