Our next adventure heads to the wild Pacific coast of Costa Rica - Anatomy Adventurers is now accepting explorers!
ANATOMY ADVENTURERS: COSTA RICA
WITH EDUCATOR
JUNIOR TEACHING ASSISTANT
TUITION:
$3,750 (US$650 non-refundable deposit)
AGE GROUP:
• 9–14 years old
PERFECT FOR:
Perfect for curious students aged 9–14 who are fascinated by the human body, animals, and the natural world, and who love hands-on, science-based discovery.
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You're paddling into your first Pacific wave. Your heart pounds, your lungs fill with salty ocean air, your shoulders pull powerfully through the water, and every tiny adjustment in your muscles helps you rise to your feet. Later that afternoon, you're watching a spider monkey swing effortlessly through the rainforest canopy. How can its shoulders rotate so differently from yours? Why can a sloth hang upside down for hours without tiring? What can Costa Rica's incredible wildlife teach us about the remarkable design of our own bodies?
Set among Costa Rica's remarkable forests, beaches, rivers, and wildlife, Anatomy Adventurers is a five-week, place-based learning journey exploring the incredible design of the human body through comparative anatomy, scientific illustration, movement, and health science.
Students investigate each major body system through hands-on activities, scientific drawing, movement practices, and encounters with Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity. Throughout the month they compare human anatomy with monkeys, sloths, sea turtles, frogs, crocodiles, birds, insects, and many other species to discover how evolution has shaped different bodies to solve similar challenges.
Scientific illustration forms a central part of the learning experience: students learn to observe carefully and communicate their understanding through drawing and painting, discovering how art has long been an essential tool for naturalists and field scientists.
Learning comes alive through surfing, kayaking, dance, acro-yoga, wildlife observation, and visits with veterinarians, healthcare professionals, and wildlife rehabilitation experts. Rather than simply memorizing anatomy, students experience how muscles contract, joints move, lungs expand, and bodies adapt to different environments — while also developing practical knowledge for caring for their own bodies through nutrition, movement, sleep, hydration, injury prevention, and mental wellness.
ACADEMIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Real-world adventures. Meaningful academic learning.
At WorldWise, extraordinary experiences are grounded in meaningful academic learning. During Anatomy Adventurers, students investigate the human body through scientific study, encounters with Costa Rican wildlife, creative expression, and physical movement.
Students develop knowledge and skills across familiar school subjects while applying their learning in exciting, hands-on ways. Their original illustrated anatomy books and three-dimensional anatomical models provide tangible opportunities to demonstrate what they've learned.
Our curriculum draws on recognized academic standards, with instruction adapted to students' ages, abilities, and prior knowledge.
ScienceHuman Biology & Comparative Anatomy
- Understand the human body: Identify major organs and structures within the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems, explaining their functions and how they contribute to the body's overall health. (NGSS 4-LS1-1; MS-LS1-3, supporting content)
- Investigate how body systems work together: Use anatomical models, observations, and evidence to explain how different systems interact during breathing, digestion, movement, and other essential functions. (NGSS MS-LS1-3, supporting alignment)
- Become a comparative anatomist: Compare human anatomy with that of parrots, howler monkeys, and other Costa Rican wildlife, explaining how specialized structures help different animals survive, move, feed, and respond to their environments. (NGSS 4-LS1-1)
- Explore the brain and senses: Investigate how animals receive information through their senses, process it in the brain, and respond to their surroundings, using diagrams and models to communicate their understanding. (NGSS 4-LS1-2; MS-LS1-8, supporting content)
- Discover anatomy in action: Observe changes in heart rate, breathing, and muscle activity during exercise, then explain how these changes reveal interactions among the body's systems. (NGSS MS-LS1-3, supporting application)
Health EducationHuman Development, Puberty & Healthy Living
- Understand growing and changing bodies: Explore the physical and emotional changes of puberty, recognizing that development occurs at different times and rates for different individuals. (NHES Standard 1)
- Understand human reproduction: Identify the major structures and functions of the human reproductive systems and explain the fundamental biological processes of sexual reproduction. (NHES Standard 1)
- Explore healthy living: Investigate how nutrition, hydration, sleep, and physical activity support growth, energy, and healthy body function. (NHES Standards 1 and 7)
- Develop healthy communication skills: Practice expressing personal boundaries, respecting others' boundaries, and understanding consent through age-appropriate discussions and scenarios. (NHES Standard 4)
- Find reliable health information: Learn to recognize trustworthy sources of information and identify appropriate people and resources for questions about health, growth, and development. (NHES Standard 3)
English Language ArtsReading, Writing & Scientific Communication
- Read like a scientist: Read informational texts about the human body, using headings, captions, diagrams, and scientific vocabulary to locate and interpret important information. (CCSS RI.5.4; RI.5.7, supporting skills)
- Explain scientific concepts: Draw on lessons, reading, observations, and investigations to explain how body systems work, using accurate vocabulary and relevant supporting details. (CCSS W.5.2; W.6.2)
- Become an anatomy author: Create an original illustrated anatomy book, writing clear explanations of each body system in their own words to demonstrate scientific understanding. (CCSS W.5.2; W.6.2)
- Strengthen writing skills: Organize, revise, and edit explanations for clarity, accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and spelling, with expectations adapted to each student's writing level. (CCSS W.5.5; L.5.1; L.5.2, with corresponding grade-level standards)
- Communicate through words and images: Combine written explanations, scientific diagrams, and labeled illustrations to help readers understand complex biological ideas. (CCSS W.5.2a; W.6.2a)
Visual ArtsScientific Illustration & Sculpture
- Illustrate like a scientific artist: Observe anatomical structures closely and use watercolor and colored pencils to produce detailed illustrations that balance artistic technique with scientific accuracy. (NCAS VA:Cr2.1.5a, representative grade-level alignment)
- Sculpt the human body: Construct a three-dimensional clay model representing the placement and relationships of major organs and body systems. (NCAS Visual Arts, Creating; NGSS MS-LS1-3, supporting application)
- Make science visible: Use line, color, proportion, texture, and labeling to create illustrations that communicate biological information clearly. (NCAS VA:Cr2.3.7a, representative grade-level alignment)
- Refine artistic work: Evaluate and improve illustrations and models through observation, reflection, and attention to anatomical accuracy. (NCAS VA:Cr3.1.6a, representative grade-level alignment)
Physical EducationMovement, Coordination & Physical SkillsAt least four hours per week of structured physical activity
- Develop physical skills and confidence: Strengthen coordination, balance, flexibility, body awareness, and movement control through dance and creative movement. (SHAPE America PE Standards 1 and 2)
- Learn through physical challenges: Practice and refine movement skills through surfing, bodyboarding, acro-yoga, or circus activities, using feedback to improve technique and performance. (SHAPE America PE Standards 1 and 2)
- Connect movement with anatomy: Investigate how muscles, joints, the skeleton, heart, and lungs work together during different forms of physical activity. (NGSS MS-LS1-3, supporting application)
- Express ideas through movement: Create and perform movement sequences that encourage creativity, self-expression, and collaboration. (SHAPE America PE Standards 1 and 4)
- Practice safe and respectful participation: Demonstrate cooperation, personal responsibility, and respect for others during individual and group activities. (SHAPE America PE Standard 3)
SpanishBeginner Spanish LanguageThree hours per week | 15 hours total
- Communicate with confidence: Practice basic greetings, introductions, and polite expressions in Spanish.
- Build everyday conversation skills: Ask and answer simple questions about names, ages, preferences, and familiar activities using practiced vocabulary and phrases.
- Learn anatomy in Spanish: Identify and describe familiar body parts using beginner Spanish vocabulary.
- Develop listening skills: Recognize familiar words and simple expressions in clear spoken Spanish, supported by context and gestures.
- Use Spanish in everyday life: Practice simple expressions during authentic interactions, such as greeting local guides, ordering food, or asking basic questions.
Aligned with ACTFL Novice-level Interpretive and Interpersonal Communication benchmarks. Individual progress will depend on prior language experience.
MathematicsIndividualized Mathematics InstructionThree hours per week | 15 hours total
- Progress at an individual pace: Develop mathematical understanding, accuracy, and fluency through instruction adapted to each student's current level, learning needs, and pace.
- Strengthen mathematical reasoning: Solve problems, explain strategies, check solutions, and apply mathematical understanding to unfamiliar challenges. (CCSS Mathematical Practices MP1 and MP3)
Students continue working at their own mathematical level rather than following a single grade-level curriculum.
GeographyCosta Rica & Central America
- Discover Costa Rica's place in the world: Locate Costa Rica within Central America and identify its neighboring countries, the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and major geographical features using maps.
About Our Academic Standards
WorldWise curriculum draws on recognized U.S. educational frameworks, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), ACTFL language proficiency benchmarks, National Health Education Standards (NHES), National Core Arts Standards (NCAS), and SHAPE America's National Physical Education Standards.
The references indicate connections to relevant academic learning expectations. Students engage with objectives at developmentally appropriate levels, and a reference does not necessarily indicate complete coverage or assessment of every element of a standard.
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Each student creates an Illustrated Comparative Anatomy Atlas — combining scientific illustrations, watercolor paintings, field observations, comparative animal studies, and personal movement reflections into a beautifully organized scientific journal documenting their discoveries throughout Costa Rica. Because the atlas is developed across the full five weeks, drawing and painting become daily scientific tools rather than occasional art projects. No previous artistic experience is necessary — students need only enjoy drawing and be excited to use illustration to explore and communicate scientific ideas. The program closes with a final student showcase where families explore the Atlases and celebrate the learning journey.
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Immersive, place-based learning program for a maximum of 12 students, designed and taught by US-credentialed educator Lisé Whitfield.
Classes Monday through Thursday, 9:00/10:00 AM (depending on math group) to 3:00 PM, for five weeks.
Two classroom-based days per week exploring human anatomy, comparative anatomy, scientific illustration, and health science.
Two field-learning days per week: wildlife observation, movement experiences, and visits with veterinarians, healthcare professionals, and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Movement workshops led by local instructors — surfing, kayaking, dance, acro-yoga, and other embodied learning.
Approximately 2 hours of small-group math tutorials and 2 hours of conversational Spanish instruction each week.
An Illustrated Comparative Anatomy Atlas created by each student, and a final family showcase.
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Accommodations — families arrange and book their own lodging.
Flights — international and domestic flights are not included.
Meals — students bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle each program day.
Local transportation — including a rental vehicle with high ground clearance (preferably 4WD), which is strongly recommended for field-learning days.
Field excursion costs for accompanying parents — entrance or activity fees for adults who join field days are not included in tuition.
Interested in joining this adventure? Select ‘Enquire Now’ to complete our Family Questionnaire. We’ll review your inquiry and follow up with information about availability and next steps.
FAQs ABOUT THE ANATOMY ADVENTURERS LEARNING ADVENTURE
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Curious learners aged 9–14 who are fascinated by anatomy, animals, health, and the natural world, and who enjoy hands-on, science-based learning.
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Our classroom is located at La Salita by CAMPO in Nosara, Costa Rica. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 or 10:00 AM (depending on each student's math tutorial group) until 3:00 PM, for five weeks. Two days each week are classroom-based and two are field-based.
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We recommend staying near either Playa Pelada or Playa Guiones, as both are within a comfortable walking distance of our classroom at La Salita by CAMPO. January and February are peak travel season in Nosara and lodging fills quickly, so please reserve as early as possible.
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Families arrange and book their own accommodations. Once enrolled, you'll be able to connect with other participating families through our private WhatsApp group to share recommendations and tips.
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Classes meet Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 or 10:00 AM (depending on each student's math tutorial group) until 3:00 PM, for five weeks.
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A rental vehicle with high ground clearance (preferably 4WD) is highly recommended, as several field-learning sites are accessed via unpaved roads. If you stay near Playa Pelada or Playa Guiones you'll be within walking distance of the classroom, but a vehicle is needed for field days. Some excursions involve a significant drive — for example, the Macaw Recovery Network is about 1.5 hours each way. Families are responsible for all transportation, and we help coordinate carpools through our private WhatsApp group.
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No. Students should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle each program day unless otherwise noted.
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The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. In Nosara, a well-known coastal town, English is also widely understood. Students receive approximately two hours of conversational Spanish instruction each week with a local instructor.
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This program does not include a formal certification. Instead, each student completes an Illustrated Comparative Anatomy Atlas — a scientific journal of their illustrations, field observations, and discoveries — which is celebrated at a final family showcase.
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Each day, students should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. For field and movement days we also recommend sun protection (hat and reef-safe sunscreen), appropriate footwear, and swimwear and a towel for water-based activities such as surfing and kayaking.
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Parents are welcome to join many field-learning days. Please note that any entrance fees or activity costs for accompanying adults are not included in tuition.
We have answered the most commonly asked questions about our Learning Adventures. You can take a look at them here.
