ERF.science: A Helpful Resource for Learning About Fetal Development
- Abortion Museum
- May 12
- 2 min read
For homeschool families studying biology, health, or human development, ERF.science can be a helpful visual resource. ERF, or the Education Resource Fund, provides science-based videos, prenatal images, 3D models, and a pregnancy tracker focused on human development before birth. The site also includes short fetal development clips and documentaries such as “The Science of Life Before Birth” and “See Baby Grow.”
The Science of Life Before Birth
See Baby Grow
One helpful video to include in a homeschool lesson is “See Baby Grow (Highlights Edition)” because it is shorter and more manageable for younger students. ERF also offers week-by-week embryonic and fetal video clips, which can help students see how development changes over time. Some have been included on our "Conception and Fetal Development Page."
Lesson: How a Baby Grows Before Birth
Human development begins at fertilization, when a sperm cell and egg cell join together. From there, the new human life begins growing through different stages.
In the earliest stage, the developing baby is called an embryo. During this time, important body parts begin forming, including the brain, heart, spine, arms, and legs.
Later, the developing baby is called a fetus. During this stage, the body continues to grow, mature, and prepare for life outside the womb.
ERF.science can help students understand this process by showing real images and videos of prenatal development. Instead of only reading about fetal development, students can see how the body grows week by week.
Vocabulary Words
Prenatal — before birth
Fertilization — when a sperm cell and egg cell join together
Embryo — the early stage of development before the fetal stage
Fetus — the later stage of development before birth
Development — the process of growing and changing over time
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What does “prenatal” mean?
A. After birth
B. Before birth
C. During adulthood
D. During childhood
Answer: B. Before birth
2. Human development begins at:
A. Birth
B. The first birthday
C. Fertilization
D. Kindergarten
Answer: C. Fertilization
3. What is an embryo?
A. A stage of development before the fetal stage
B. A full-grown adult
C. A type of plant
D. A school subject
Answer: A. A stage of development before the fetal stage
4. What is a fetus?
A. A later stage of development before birth
B. A newborn baby only
C. A type of cell phone
D. A science textbook
Answer: A. A later stage of development before birth
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