Gestation and birth in humans
I can describe the growth of a foetus and the process of giving birth.
Gestation and birth in humans
I can describe the growth of a foetus and the process of giving birth.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A zygote divides to become an embryo, which then develops into a foetus made of different cells and tissues.
- The human gestation period is about 40 weeks.
- The foetus grows in an amniotic sac which is filled with amniotic fluid for protection.
- The mother provides all the nutrients that the growing foetus needs and gets rid of waste products through the placenta.
- During birth, the cervix opens and the uterus wall contracts to push the baby out through the vagina.
Keywords
Foetus - The foetus is the stage of human development between an embryo (at around 8 weeks) up to when the baby is born.
Umbilical cord - The umbilical cord joins the placenta to the foetus. It carries the nutrients and oxygen needed from the mother.
Contractions - Waves of muscle contractions in the uterus wall during childbirth push the baby down through the vagina.
Placenta - The placenta is an organ that is attached to the uterus wall; it provides the foetus with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood.
Amniotic sac - The amniotic sac surrounds the foetus and contains fluid which protects it.
Common misconception
Mixing up the terms zygote, embryo and foetus. Thinking that the mother's blood mixes with the foetus' blood in the placenta.
The lesson explores how the zygote divides, grows and develops in stages including embryo and foetus until the baby is ready to be born. The foetal and mother's blood vessels are close to each other in the placenta but the blood doesn't mix.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Gestation and birth in humans, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Gestation and birth in humans, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Reproduction in humans unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of nudity
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
