5th Grade Health Lesson Plan; #18 Reproductive systems and functions
NOTE: Males and females are separated for this lesson.
Standard: 5.ICR.2 Analyze the changes and influences that occur during puberty and
adolescence.
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5.ICR.2.1 Recall that puberty is characterized by the development of secondary sex
characteristics and onset of reproductive capacity.
5.ICR.2.3 Summarize the functions of the male and female reproductive systems.
Objective: Students will be able to identify the changes that happen to boys and girls during puberty
and be able to identify the reproductive parts for both males and females and the function of those
parts. Students will also understand that puberty is the beginning of the ability to reproduce.
Materials:
 Female and Male Question Box
 Questions from last week
 Note cards
 Pencils
 Separate space for females and males
 Appendixes 1, 4,ND 5 from 5ICR.2.3
 Copies of fill in the blank male and female reproductive systems; Appendixes 3a,3b,4a,4b from
lesson 5ICR.2.1
 BrainPop! Video Reproduction
Focus: Teacher says, “During puberty, the pituitary gland sets development of the reproductive
system into action. Today we are going to study the male and female reproductive systems so you
will understand how those important parts of our bodies function. By the end of the lesson you will
know the parts that make up both the male and female reproductive systems and the function of
those parts.”
Teacher Input: Provide each student with a copy of the diagrams of the male and female
reproductive systems (Appendix 3a and 3b). Using the teacher key of male and female diagrams
(Appendix 4a and 4b), discuss male and female reproductive systems.
First allow students time to fill in the diagrams on their own using pencil. Then as the teacher goes
through the reproductive organs students make corrections on their papers.
Next, the teacher will use the diagrams and video clips to explain the reproductive organs and the
function of those organs.
(Appendix 3a and 3b) used as reference material
Watch BrainPop! Video Reproduction
Terms to learn:
For the female:
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Fallopian tube – a tube between the vagina and ovaries in which fertilization takes
place (where sperm meets the ovum)
Ovaries – organs that produce female hormones and produce and release ova (or
eggs) in the female
Uterus or womb – the organ in which the fetus develops into a baby
Cervix – opening of the uterus; menstrual blood passes through
Vagina – the organ for sexual intercourse, also the birth canal (through which the baby
passes during birth)
The Reproductive System 16:49min video (Female Section 0:47 – 2:49)
For the male:
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Vas deferens – tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis
Epididymis – where sperm are stored before they mature and are released
Prostate gland – gland that produces fluid to help sperm move
Seminal vesicles – two glands that produce and secrete most of the seminal fluid
Urethra – tube in the penis that carries sperm and urine (pee) out of the body (not at
the same time)
Testicles – glands behind the penis that produce male hormones and sperm (contained
in a sac called the scrotum)
Straight Talk for Boys (The Male Reproductive System section 0:00 – 1:14min)
Student Practice: In this activity, students will be asked to arrange laminated cards from Appendix 1
(male and female body parts) and Appendix 4 (definitions and functions of reproductive anatomy).
The cards should be distributed to students. Beginning with the female reproductive system, call out a
part and ask who has the matching card. Ask the student holding the correct card to stand next to the
correct student to create pairs consisting of a body part and its function or definition. When students
are paired up, the teacher will correct any mistakes and read the body part and its function. The
process would make more of an impact if the sequence of body parts is similar to what was read in
the text. [Use Appendix 5 as a reference.]
Closer: Teacher says, “Human reproduction is a process which is quite miraculous. Men and women
are born with organs that will develop and eventually function to create a human life. The
responsibility of being a parent begins with being as healthy as possible during childhood and
adolescence. That means eating nutritiously and avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol,
tobacco, and drugs. It also means waiting until one is mature, physically and emotionally, and until
one is self-sufficient and responsible.”
If time allows, answer a few questions from the question box.
Notes for next time: