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Dec 17, 2025
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Physical Growth and Development in Humans
Courtney Fowler
@courtneyfowler
1 / 4
Understanding Physical Growth vs Development
Your body is constantly changing, but there's actually two different processes happening. Growth is the simple stuff - getting taller, heavier, and physically bigger. Development is way more interesting - it's how you learn to control your body and master new skills.
Physical development follows some pretty clever patterns that work the same for everyone. You develop from top to toe (head control before walking) and from inner to outer (arm control before finger precision). This is why babies can wave their arms around ages before they can pick up tiny objects.
Everyone develops at their own pace though. Some infants zoom through milestones whilst others take their time - and both are completely normal. The important thing is that the skills eventually develop, not exactly when they happen.
Quick Tip: Remember PIES - Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social development all happen together and affect each other.
Infancy Milestones (0-24 months)
This is when the most dramatic changes happen - babies go from helpless newborns to walking, climbing toddlers in just two years! Gross motor skills (big movements) and fine motor skills (precise movements) develop alongside each other.
In the first six months, babies learn to hold their heads up and roll over. They can grip a rattle but can't really control it properly yet. By their first birthday, most babies are sitting independently and starting to walk whilst holding furniture.
The 12-24 month period is when things get exciting. Toddlers master walking, start climbing stairs, and can kick balls around. Their hand control improves dramatically - they can build towers with blocks, scribble with crayons, and feed themselves with a spoon.
Remember: These are average ages - some babies walk at 10 months, others at 15 months, and both are perfectly normal!
Childhood Development (2-8 years)
By age 8, most children have mastered the basic physical skills they'll use for life. This stage is all about refining movements and becoming more coordinated and confident with their bodies.
Early childhood sees major improvements in balance and coordination. Two-year-olds can walk upstairs properly, and by three they're jumping off low steps. Their hand skills become much more precise - they can draw recognisable shapes and turn book pages without tearing them.
The detailed chart shows exactly what to expect at each age, but the key point is that children become increasingly independent. They're building the foundation skills needed for sports, writing, and all the physical activities they'll enjoy later.
Study Smart: Focus on the general progression rather than memorising exact ages - exams often test your understanding of the patterns, not specific months.
How Illness Affects Development
Illness doesn't just make you feel rubbish - it can seriously impact development across all four PIES areas. Understanding these connections is crucial for supporting people through health challenges.
Physical and intellectual impacts are often linked. Missing school due to illness affects learning, whilst problems with memory and concentration make decision-making harder. Tiredness and mobility issues can completely prevent physical activity.
The emotional and social consequences can be just as serious. Illness often causes worry and stress, leading to low self-esteem and loss of independence. This particularly affects older adults who may become isolated from friends and family.
Relationships can suffer when illness prevents socialising or building new connections. Sometimes the stress of managing health problems can even cause existing relationships to break down.
Exam Focus: Questions often ask about the knock-on effects of illness - remember that problems in one PIES area usually affect the others too.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Child Growth and Development
Most popular content in Health & Social Care
Most popular content
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Physical Growth and Development in Humans
Courtney Fowler
@courtneyfowler
Ever wondered how your body develops from birth to old age? Physical development is all about how we grow bigger and stronger, while also learning to control our movements - from a baby's first steps to playing sports as a... Show more
Understanding Physical Growth vs Development
Your body is constantly changing, but there's actually two different processes happening. Growth is the simple stuff - getting taller, heavier, and physically bigger. Development is way more interesting - it's how you learn to control your body and master new skills.
Physical development follows some pretty clever patterns that work the same for everyone. You develop from top to toe (head control before walking) and from inner to outer (arm control before finger precision). This is why babies can wave their arms around ages before they can pick up tiny objects.
Everyone develops at their own pace though. Some infants zoom through milestones whilst others take their time - and both are completely normal. The important thing is that the skills eventually develop, not exactly when they happen.
Quick Tip: Remember PIES - Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social development all happen together and affect each other.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Infancy Milestones (0-24 months)
This is when the most dramatic changes happen - babies go from helpless newborns to walking, climbing toddlers in just two years! Gross motor skills (big movements) and fine motor skills (precise movements) develop alongside each other.
In the first six months, babies learn to hold their heads up and roll over. They can grip a rattle but can't really control it properly yet. By their first birthday, most babies are sitting independently and starting to walk whilst holding furniture.
The 12-24 month period is when things get exciting. Toddlers master walking, start climbing stairs, and can kick balls around. Their hand control improves dramatically - they can build towers with blocks, scribble with crayons, and feed themselves with a spoon.
Remember: These are average ages - some babies walk at 10 months, others at 15 months, and both are perfectly normal!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Childhood Development (2-8 years)
By age 8, most children have mastered the basic physical skills they'll use for life. This stage is all about refining movements and becoming more coordinated and confident with their bodies.
Early childhood sees major improvements in balance and coordination. Two-year-olds can walk upstairs properly, and by three they're jumping off low steps. Their hand skills become much more precise - they can draw recognisable shapes and turn book pages without tearing them.
The detailed chart shows exactly what to expect at each age, but the key point is that children become increasingly independent. They're building the foundation skills needed for sports, writing, and all the physical activities they'll enjoy later.
Study Smart: Focus on the general progression rather than memorising exact ages - exams often test your understanding of the patterns, not specific months.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How Illness Affects Development
Illness doesn't just make you feel rubbish - it can seriously impact development across all four PIES areas. Understanding these connections is crucial for supporting people through health challenges.
Physical and intellectual impacts are often linked. Missing school due to illness affects learning, whilst problems with memory and concentration make decision-making harder. Tiredness and mobility issues can completely prevent physical activity.
The emotional and social consequences can be just as serious. Illness often causes worry and stress, leading to low self-esteem and loss of independence. This particularly affects older adults who may become isolated from friends and family.
Relationships can suffer when illness prevents socialising or building new connections. Sometimes the stress of managing health problems can even cause existing relationships to break down.
Exam Focus: Questions often ask about the knock-on effects of illness - remember that problems in one PIES area usually affect the others too.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user