Anatomy, a field in the biological sciences, is concerned with the identification and description of the body structures of living things. Physiology, a related biological field, is concerned with the functions of these living organisms and their parts.

Our 5th grade students spent several days this year studying both anatomy and physiology of the human body. Working as teams, they learned more about some of the body’s major systems, including:

  • Digestive
  • Nervous
  • Cardiovascular
  • Musculo-skeletal
  • Respiratory

Each team created a 10-15 minute presentation to share in front of their peers and parents. Students donned their white “ECS Hospital” lab coats and presented their findings through the use of creative props and specimens, colorful slideshows, and live demonstrations. Throughout their presentations, students were given opportunities to practice the skills it takes to be a good public speaker: reading from prepared notecards, speaking loudly enough for the audience to hear (without a microphone) and engaging the audience through good eye contact and a mix of facts and humor.

When 5th grade students in the audience were not presenting, they were expected to learn from their peers’ presentations. Their assignment as audience members went beyond passive listening to active participation, as they answered questions on a worksheet related to each group’s report.

The students all did a remarkable job, thanks to their hard work and the dedication of our 5th grade teachers, Bobye Turella and Patti Fickel. Everyone in attendance at the student presentations walked away with a greater awe of our Creator God, the designer and maker of our amazing human bodies!