Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ESSENTIALS FOR SURVIVAL
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ESSENTIALS FOR SURVIVAL
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Subject: General Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Grade code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.2.1.CS.2
Indicator code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Theme: PROCESSES FOR LIVING
Subtheme: ESSENTIALS FOR SURVIVAL
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My dear learners, today we are discussing a very important biological process that is fundamental to the continuation of human life: the menstrual cycle. This topic is not just for females; it is for everyone. Understanding the menstrual cycle helps us understand our bodies, appreciate the process of creating new life, make informed decisions about family planning, and break down harmful myths and stigma in our communities. It is a sign of health and a normal part of life for about half of our population. By the end of this lesson, you will have the scientific knowledge to discuss this topic confidently and respectfully.
This section contains the core knowledge for our lesson. We will go through it step by step. A. What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in the female reproductive system that occurs in a monthly pattern. Its primary purpose is to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. The cycle is controlled by hormones produced by the brain and the ovaries. Menstruation (or Period): This is the part of the cycle where blood and tissue from the inner lining of the uterus (the womb) are discharged through the vagina. It marks the beginning of a new cycle. Menarche: The first time a girl has her menstrual period. In Ghana, this typically happens between the ages of 10 and 16. Menopause: The time in a woman's life (usually between 45 and 55 years old) when her menstrual cycles stop permanently, and she is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Cycle Length: The number of days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. The average is 28 days, but it is normal for it to range from 21 to 35 days. B. The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Imagine the cycle as a 28-day calendar (though it can vary). We start counting from Day 1, which is the first day of bleeding.
Phase 1: Menstrual Phase (The Period) - Approximately Day 1 to Day 5 What Happens? If pregnancy did not occur in the previous cycle, the body sheds the thickened lining of the uterus. This lining, along with blood, flows out of the body. Why? The thickened uterine lining was prepared to receive a fertilized egg. Since no fertilized egg arrived, the body discards the lining to prepare a fresh one for the next cycle. Key Point: Day 1 of bleeding is Day 1 of the entire cycle.