Mastering Hormones: Understanding the Role of Hormones in the Body

• Science
• Special Education

Mastering Hormones: Understanding the Role of Hormones in the Body

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the role of hormones in the body and explain the hormonal system and its transportation around the body, as well as the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle.

What do you already know about hormones and their role in the body?

Introduction to Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They travel through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs, where they regulate important bodily functions.

Hormonal System and Transport

The hormonal system includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. Hormones are secreted by these glands and then transported around the body in the blood and interact with specific target cells or organs.

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a series of hormonal and physiological changes that occur in females, preparing the body for potential pregnancy each month. Roughly every 28 days but this can change for each person. 

It is controlled by several hormones which help to maintain this regularity and prepares the body for pregnancy. 

Role of Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate the thickening and shedding of the uterine lining, as well as the release of an egg during ovulation.

Task 

Complete the worksheet on the female reproductive system. 

Task 2

Complete the attached questions about hormones and the menstrual cycle. 

Conclusion

Summarise the key points about hormones in the body and their role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Encourage questions and discussions.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.