Italian physician Maria Montessori developed the Montessori method of teaching in the early 1900's while observing that children learn best when engaged in purposeful activity. Dr. Montessori inspired a movement that enabled children to teach themselves through sensory-rich, hands-on materials, nurture and love. Discover the ways in which Montessori classrooms differ from the traditional school setting in this enlightening.--Kanopy.

Visits two well established model middle schools: School of the Woods in Houston (private) and Clark Montessori Junior High in Cincinnati (public). Features eight curriculum elements present in any quality Montessori middle school program: multi-aged learning communities, grace and courtesy, hands-on theme-based learning, individual and group work, self-construction, environmental education, service learning and economic independence.