8th & 9th Grade Learning Objectives

Anatomy & Physiology

  • Label the major organs of typical male and female sexual systems

  • Describe the basic physiology of sexual and reproductive organs

  • Express greater awareness of anatomical variation

Body Image

  • Describe the distinction between positive and negative body image

  • Describe two factors that can influence body image

  • Explain four connections between body image and other aspects of sexuality 

Gender Identity

  •  Define biological sex, gender identity, gender expression & sexual orientation and their differences.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different ways that all of these can align or not align

Healthy Relationships 

  • Identify deal makers & deal breakers specific to friendships, relationships & long-term commitments. 

  • Identify potential adverse consequences that result from unequal power in relationships.

Sexuality, Social Media, Pornography, and the Internet 

  • Identify some legal, personal, and relationship implications of sharing texts and images.

  • Discussing pornography, understanding what is missing (consent, mutual pleasure, safe practices), myth vs. reality & who it is made for

Consent Education 

  • List the components of sexual consent

  • Discuss verbal signals of consent & nonconsent

  • Practice giving & receiving a “no”

  • Strategies for bystanders to use to prevent sexual harassment or coercion

  • Reporting sexual abuse or sexual assault

Responsible Sexual Behavior (Masturbation, Intercourse vs. Outercourse)

  • Dispel myths about masturbation

  • Introduce masturbation and nonintercourse sexual behaviors as healthy sexual options. 

  • Reinforce the message that abstinence is the healthiest option for young teens.

Sexual Transmitted Infections & Contraception 

  • Explain how STIs are transmitted and how they can be prevented

  • Differentiate between facts & myths related to STI symptoms, transmission, prevention, testing & treatment

  • Rank birth control methods by their effectiveness & how they protect against STIs