Class Code: MHB   
Teacher: Dr. Nilda Martinez-Wuller
Teacher Email: nilda2004@sbcglobal.net
Description:

This will be a very hands-on class as the students learn about the anatomy and physiology of our beautiful human body.   It will inspire scientific curiosity and intrigue about the human body in a fun and active environment!

The students will begin by putting together a 3.5 ft  paper skeleton model as they learn about the bones of the body and their function.  Throughout the semester, each student will add to their skeleton model the other human organ systems as they explore the function of each organ system.   They will add the respiratory (lung, trachea, bronchi, alveoli) , digestive (small intestine, large intestine, stomach, liver, pancreas) , cardiovascular (heart, vena cava, aorta, pulmonary arteries) , urinary (kidney, ureter and bladder) , nervous (brain) and muscular system .  They will learn how each organ system works independently and in union with the rest of the body as they put their human body model together during the school year.  (This is a much more sophisticated model than in the book.)

They will also study the anatomy and physiology of the eye, ear, skin,  tongue, joints, and teeth, as they build models of them during discussion in class.   The cell, DNA, and nutrition will also be studied with experiments in class.    (Chapter 14 is left to be studied at home as best suits the student and family.)

For a more in depth study of the organs, we will be doing class dissections.  We will be dissecting a mammalian eye,  kidney,  spinal cord, brain, bone and heart as a class.  We will end the year by dissecting a large rat as a review all of the organ systems we have studied.  (Don’t get scared away.  It will be fun!  I promise! ).

We will also be looking at x-rays, EKGs and MRI/CT scans during the year. 

Every student is required to do one 3- 5 min presentation to the class on a given topic in the fall semester, usually a disease process.  In the spring semester, there will be a simple trifold project that will be done.

Every week, the parent will receive an email which will contain:  
1.  A chapter worksheet, test and answer key to both
2.   A four day lesson plan which will include the pages to read and worksheet questions that need to be completed every day
3.  A body model that is to be cut out before arriving to class

With the above aids in the weekly email, the parent can select which ones their child will compete.  The student can just read the chapter before coming to class.  Or, the student can do all of the work by reading the chapter, completing the worksheet before class and then completing the test after class.  The parent can also elect for their student to do something in between ie., do the reading and worksheet only.   I want to provide flexibility since my goal is for each student to learn in an environment where the love of science and the workings of our human body is joyfully embraced.  (The body model must always be done.)

Chapter Worksheets and Tests will be graded by the parent at home with the provided answer sheet.  These are proprietary handouts (worksheets and tests) only to be used by the student taking my class.  Thank you!

(Please note that if you are following the Apologia series for your science curriculum, there is a new edition of the General Science book, the 3rd edition.   This is a much improved general science textbook compared to the 2nd edition!  However, it no longer includes human anatomy and physiology.  Therefore, the Anatomy and Physiology textbook used in this class is the only time in the Apologia science curriculum where human anatomy/physiology is taught.  (There is a high school level anat/phys elective in the Apologia series recommended in the senior year which is quite challenging and recommended for those entering the medical field.))

Homework:   1 hour per week will include: 

Required materials:   1.  Apologia Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology by      Jeannie Fulbright and Brooke Ryan, MD
               2.  Colored pencils/crayons - whatever works best for          your child or what you have at home
               3.  Double sided tape, regular tape, scissors
               4.  2 pieces of large poster board, color of choice
               5.  Small mirror

(Scholarships available)
               

Biography:

Nilda M. Martinez-Wuller attended Texas A&M University for her undergraduate degree.  She then attended Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas for her Medical Doctor degree and Children’s Medical Center for pediatric specialization.   She practiced clinical medicine (including administrative positions) for 20 years and also volunteered at North Dallas Shared Ministries Free Medical Clinic.  

She began her homeschooling journey with her 3 sons in 2007.   She worked with UTD during the 2014-2015 school year to form a competitive homeschool FIRST® FTC Robotics team due to her sons' interest in the STEM field.  During the 2015-2016 school year, she co-coached a team with UD and served as an FTC  competition judge.   During the 2015-2016 Robotics season, her team made it to Regionals.  She now teaches robotics at homeschool Co-Ops. 

Details:

Class meets on Tuesday from 12:30 PM to 1:25 PM & on Thursday from none to none