As part of their vertebrae studies, Lower Elementary students at Yeshivat Netivot Montessori received a crash course in orthopedics from pediatric surgeon Dr. David Weisman of Pediatric Orthopedic Associates in East Brunswick.

Before delving in, students stepped back and discussed what functions bones perform in the body. Then, Dr. Weisman, a Netivot parent, identified major bones and their locations and demonstrated how they fit together. Students had an opportunity to touch major bones, compare an adult and pediatric femur and diagnose conditions like scoliosis and fractures by studying X-rays. The lesson concluded with a demonstration of how to apply a fiberglass cast on a student’s forearm.