Learning functional anatomy through experimentation: a project-based approach to sex differences in trunk range of motion in children

A project-based learning intervention structured around the subject “The Experiments” was conducted on second-year elementary school students, with a primary educational objective, to introduce the scientific method and some anatomical aspects to the children participating in the experiment, and a secondary biomechanical aim, to assess differences in trunk flexion ranges in children. A basic explanation of the scientific method and human functional anatomy was provided through the development of an actual experiment on the biomechanics of the lumbopelvic region. The trunk flexion ranges of the students in the class were compared with a convenience sample of 29 children (14 girls,15 boys). The maximum range of motion of the trunk in the sagittal plane was measured by means of a mobile phone application. Measurements confirmed greater flexibility of the lumbar spine and hip in girls. With this intervention, several curricular objectives of the study plan for the second-year elementary school were carried out, in a graphic and active way. This educational intervention successfully presented anatomical knowledge within the context of an explanation of the scientific method to primary school students.