Human Life Cycle KS2
Changes and Reproduction - Lesson 1: Human Life Cycle
Human Life Cycle KS2
What is the human life cycle?
The human life cycle describes the different stages in the lives of humans. Starting with gestation, it describes the changes humans go through as they grow and develop through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age.
What are the stages in the human life cycle?
1. Gestation
New life begins as a microscopic fertilised egg cell inside the mother’s womb. The cell divides and grows, getting bigger and bigger. To begin with it is called an embryo, then after around 40 days it is called a fetus. Finally, after about 37 weeks it is ready to be born.
2. Infancy
Infants rely on their parents for everything at first. After a few months, they can move on their hands and knees. Babies grow very quickly at this stage. By the time they are four years old, toddlers have learned to walk, talk and read a few words.
3. Childhood
From around the ages of four to nine, growth slows down a bit, but not much! Your bones and muscles continue to strengthen and grow more slowly, and your brain grows and develops as you learn and play. Another big growth spurt is just around the corner…
4. Adolescence
Puberty occurs at the start of this stage. This is where humans mature sexually. Adolescence is the process of maturing from a child into an adult.
5. Adulthood
By this stage, humans are fully grown. Their brains are fully developed and their bodies are ready to reproduce and have children. They are fitter and stronger than they have ever been, or ever will be...
6. Old age
As humans get older, their bodies are not as good at renewing and repairing themselves. Muscles, bones and eyesight, among other things, can gradually weaken, and our appearance changes.
The stages of the human life cycle from infancy to old age
When should children learn about the human life cycle?
According to the National Curriculum, children should learn about the human life cycle in KS2. It is assigned as compulsory learning in Year 5 under the 'Animals including humans' strand of learning.
Children should learn to:
- describe the changes as humans develop to old age.
The non-statutory activities suggest that children should draw a timeline to indicate stages in the growth and development of humans. They should learn about the changes experienced in puberty. Pupils could work scientifically by researching the gestation periods of other animals and comparing them with humans; by finding out and recording the length and mass of a baby as it grows.
These objectives are all covered within our 'Changes and Reproduction' scheme of work for Year 5.
