iii Introduction We wrote this exciting textbook, Essential Health Skills for Middle School, for health and wellness classes based on our experiences as professors of psychology (Catherine Sanderson) and biology (Mark Zelman), and as the accomplished authors of high school and college-level textbooks. Our backgrounds give us a deep well of knowledge of the most current scientific theory and research to draw from. As a supplement to the textbook, we created Human Sexuality to Accompany Essential Health Skills for Middle School to align with the National Sexuality Education Standards. Picking up where the textbook leaves off, Human Sexuality covers topics from unwanted sexual activity to pregnancy prevention. As with our textbook, we wanted this supplement to give middle school students the most current sexual health information, presented in an engaging writing style so students would enjoy reading the book. Additionally, we included a focus on practical health skills that young people can use to develop and promote good health and wellness habits throughout their lives. As the authors of high school and college-level textbooks, we felt confident in our research and writing abilities, but felt that the pedagogy was better left to master teachers. We would like to thank Lindsay Armbruster and Mary McCarley for developing the skills-based questions, activities, and features that are a vital part of this course. We are delighted with the final product, and wish all readers of this book a lifetime of good health. Reviewers Goodheart-Willcox Publisher would like to thank the following teachers who contributed valuable input into the development of Human Sexuality to Accompany Essential Health Skills for Middle School. Dawn Blevins San Fernando Middle School San Fernando, California Pam Nitsche Madison Middle School Trumbull, Connecticut Susan Schoenrock Stanley Middle School Lafayette, California