Human Anatomy and Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory-based course that introduces students to the structure and function of the human body through the Montessori perspective of interconnectedness. The course begins with Maria Montessori's Nation of the Great River metaphor, which illustrates how the body's organs and systems work together in harmony, much like the people and regions of a nation connected by a great river. Students are introduced to cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems through lessons, models, and laboratory investigations, including the dissection of animal organs. As the course progresses, each student selects a body system or physiological topic—such as the circulatory, muscular, or respiratory system—for independent research. The course culminates in a presentation that includes written work and student-created visual materials, demonstrating both scientific understanding and the interconnected nature of the human body.