Hormones and Metabolism

Grade 7 | 60 Minutes | Class of 25 Students

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Common Core Standards Alignment

Health Education (National Health Education Standards aligned with Common Core):

• Standard 1: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.
• Standard 2: Students will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.
• Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3): Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments and performing technical tasks.
• Writing Standards (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2): Write informative texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.

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Learning Objectives ("I can" Statements)

• I can describe metabolism and explain how it affects the body’s ability to use energy.
• I can identify common causes of hormonal imbalances, including stress, chemical additives, and environmental factors.
• I can explain what candida overgrowth is and how it can impact my health.
• I can understand how a sluggish liver and colon affect overall metabolism and health.
• I can recognize ways to support a healthy metabolism and hormonal balance through nutrition and lifestyle choices.

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Success Criteria

• I can correctly define metabolism and hormonal imbalance.
• I can list at least three causes of hormonal imbalances and explain their effects.
• I can describe candida overgrowth using my own words.
• I can identify two organs important to metabolism and explain their roles.
• I can suggest healthy habits that support strong metabolism and hormone balance.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard & markers
• Handouts (dyslexia-friendly font: OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans, large print, visually clear layout)
• Projector/screen for slides/images
• Short simplified reading passage on hormones & metabolism (prepared in advance)
• Index cards for Q&A
• Colored pencils/markers
• Visual aids: diagrams of endocrine system, liver, colon, metabolism process

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Lesson Timeline & Activities

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Activity: Begin with a question to the class:
  “What do you think metabolism is? How do hormones affect your body?”
  Collect a few quick responses.

• Direct Teaching: Give a clear, simple explanation of metabolism (the process the body uses to turn food into energy) and hormones (chemical messengers that control many body functions).

• Visual Aid: Show an illustrated diagram of metabolism and the endocrine system.

Teacher Tip: Use analogies like comparing metabolism to a car’s engine and hormones as dashboard signals.

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2. Causes of Hormonal Imbalance (15 minutes)

• Explanation:
  Talk about how stress, chemical additives in food, chlorine & fluoride in water, cosmetics, and candida overgrowth can interfere with hormones.

• Focus:

  • Stress: Explain cortisol and its effect on hormones.
  • Chemical Additives: Examples like preservatives affecting hormone signaling.
  • Chlorine & Fluoride: Briefly explain how they can disrupt natural balance if consumed excessively.
  • Cosmetics: Mention hormone-disrupting chemicals found in some products.
  • Candida Overgrowth: Define candida as yeast normally in the body that can overgrow and cause health problems (digestive upset, fatigue, etc.).

• Engagement: Use a simple cause & effect chart on the board or handouts.

• Student Task: In pairs, students list other possible causes of imbalance from what they know or guess.

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3. Sluggish Liver and Colon's Role in Metabolism (10 minutes)

• Teaching:

  • Explain liver’s role in detoxifying chemicals and producing hormones.
  • Explain colon’s role in waste removal and how sluggish function can lead to toxin build-up affecting metabolism.

• Visuals: Show diagrams of liver and colon.

• Class Discussion: How do poor diet and lifestyle choices contribute to sluggish function?

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4. Health & Nutrition Tips for Hormone Balance and Metabolism (10 minutes)

• Interactive Brainstorm:
  Ask students to name foods and habits that might support a healthy liver, colon, and hormone balance. E.g., fruits, vegetables, water, sleep, physical activity.

• Teacher Input:
  Summarize key habits – balanced diet rich in fiber, avoiding processed foods, limiting chemical exposure, stress management, regular exercise.

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5. Assessment & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Exit Ticket Questions (index cards):

  1. What is metabolism?
  2. Name two causes of hormonal imbalance.
  3. What is candida overgrowth?
  4. How does the liver help keep metabolism healthy?
  5. Name one habit that supports hormone balance.

• Collect cards and briefly review answers with students.

• Reflection: Have students complete a quick “I can” checklist based on learning objectives.

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Extension Activities (For Advanced Learners)

• Research Project: Investigate and present on an endocrine gland (thyroid, adrenal gland) and how it affects metabolism.
• Debate: Pros and cons of chemicals in cosmetics and food additives on hormonal health.
• Creative Writing: Write a story from the perspective of a hormone traveling through the body, explaining metabolism.

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Resources for Diverse Learners

• Dyslexia-Friendly Reading: Provide classroom handouts and reading passages in OpenDyslexic font, with clear subheadings, bullet points, and supportive visuals.
• Audio Support: Record reading passages and provide headphones for students who benefit from auditory input.
• Graphic Organizers: Use cause/effect charts and diagrams to help students visualize complex concepts.
• Peer Support: Pair students for collaborative learning activities.

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Reflection & Notes for Teachers

• Encourage students to ask questions if terms or concepts feel confusing—use multiple examples.
• Relate hormonal balance to real-life situations such as stress before tests or eating habits.
• Highlight the importance of holistic health: nutrition, environment, and self-care together support the body.
• Use scaffolded questioning to deepen understanding without overwhelming.

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This comprehensive, multi-modal lesson plan ensures that students not only learn about metabolism and hormonal imbalances but also engage with practical strategies to maintain a strong, healthy body. It incorporates clear standards alignment, supports diverse learning needs, and offers challenging opportunities for advanced learners.