Noting that an examination of the historical and biographical context in which the Montessori educational theory and methods were developed can provide important insights into this educational approach, this 15-minute videotape explores the lives of Maria Montessori and her son Mario. Part 1 of the video, "Discovery: The Pioneering Generation," describes the development of the "Casa del Bambini" in 1907 in Rome, presents Maria Montessori's thinking regarding the development of young children and the role of the environment, and describes the international expansion of the Montessori approach to educating young children. Part 2, "India: Inspiring Elementary Education," discusses the internment of Maria and Mario Montessori in India during World War II, her theories about the absorbent mind of young children, and the definition and maturity of cosmic education for elementary school age children. Part 3, "Atlanta, '81: The Adolescent Project," presents an interview with Mario Montessori in which he discusses the similarities between the needs of adolescents and those of young children, the Montessori approach to educating adolescents, and the importance of considering the spiritual development of children and their link in the historical chain ensuring human evolution. (KB)