Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.4C Grade 8 CPI 1

 

Standard: 2.4 - Human Relationships & Sexuality

 

Strand: C - Pregnancy and Parenting

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 1 - The student will describe fertilization and each stage of embryonic and fetal development.

 

Grade: 8

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        NINE MONTHS TO A MIRACLE - Using diagrams and worksheets, students review the fertilization process. Next, students view a film such as The Miracle of Life (a PBS video) and review the accompanying book A Child is Born . After a discussion of the events portrayed in the film (conception to birth), students complete a “Five Facts I Have Learned” journal entry.

Variation: Using a video ultrasound, describe fetal developmental stages and discuss how gestational age is determined.

Variation: Use a CD-ROM, such as “Nine Month Miracle” to review male and female anatomy and explore human reproduction, conception, pregnancy, and birth. Students complete a K-W-L chart as part of the lesson (see appendix for sample chart).

 

·        TAKING CARE - Invite a genetic counselor or perinatal specialist to explain fetal development and discuss environmental influences (including the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs) on the developing fetus.