All About the Female Reproductive System and Menstrual Cycle

All About the Female Reproductive System and Menstrual Cycle

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to give the parts of the female reproductive system with their functions and characteristics and describe the menstrual cycle.

Introduce the lesson's learning objective to the students.

What do you already know about the female reproductive system and menstrual cycle?

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Each part has a specific function in reproduction.

Introduce the female reproductive system to the students.

Ovaries

The ovaries produce and release eggs (ova) and also produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Explain the role of the ovaries in the female reproductive system.

Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes are where fertilization occurs, as the eggs travel down the tubes to the uterus. Cilia in the tubes help move the egg along.

Describe the function of the fallopian tubes and how fertilization occurs.

Uterus

The uterus is where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus. It is lined with the endometrium, which thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.

Explain the role of the uterus in pregnancy and the menstrual cycle.

Cervix

The cervix is the opening between the uterus and vagina. It expands during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through.

Describe the function of the cervix and its role during childbirth.

Vagina

The vagina is the passage connecting the cervix to the outside of the body. It also serves as the birth canal during childbirth.

Explain the function of the vagina in the female reproductive system.

Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a monthly cycle in which the uterus prepares for pregnancy. It is controlled by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Introduce the menstrual cycle to the students.

Menstruation

Menstruation is the shedding of the endometrium when a fertilized egg does not implant. This results in bleeding from the vagina.

Explain what menstruation is and why it occurs.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is the first half of the menstrual cycle, during which the follicles in the ovaries mature and prepare to release an egg.

Describe the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary, which occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Explain what ovulation is and when it occurs in the menstrual cycle.

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle, during which the remains of the follicle form the corpus luteum and produce progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

Describe the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Interactive Element: Label the Female Reproductive System

Have students label a diagram of the female reproductive system with the parts and their functions.

Provide instructions for the interactive element and any materials needed.

Interactive Element: Menstrual Cycle Matching Game

Create a matching game where students match the stages of the menstrual cycle with their descriptions.

Provide instructions for the interactive element and any materials needed.

Review

Review the parts of the female reproductive system and the stages of the menstrual cycle with the students.

Summarize the lesson and check for understanding.

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.