Discovering Our Past: Medieval and Early Modern Times

Chapter 7: The Renaissance

Web Activity Lesson Plan

Introduction
The Renaissance marked a time of renewed interest in art and learning. As students learned in this chapter, new perspectives on life brought the Middle Ages to an end. Europeans were interested in art and learning, and the leaders of wealthy Italian city-states funded artists and writers. Perhaps the most famous of these artists is Leonardo da Vinci. A true Renaissance man, Leonardo was a talented artist, learned scientist, and crafty inventor.

In this activity, students will visit the Boston Museum of Science's online exhibit titled Leonardo • Inventor • Scientist • Artist to take a closer look at the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci.

Destination Title: Leonardo • Inventor • Scientist • Artist

Lesson Description:
Students will learn about Leonardo da Vinci. They will read an in-depth biography about Leonardo, detailing his artistic and scientific achievements. They will answer four questions about what they've learned. They will create a Venn diagram, comparing Leonardo da Vinci to a modern-day Renaissance Man/Woman.

Instructional Objectives

  • Students will describe the life and accomplishments of Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Students will create a Venn diagram, comparing Leonardo da Vinci to a modern-day Renaissance Man or Woman.

Student Web Activity Answers

  • Leonardo's work centered around four themes: painting, architecture, the elements of mechanics, and human anatomy.
  • Leonardo worked for the Duke of Milan. Leonardo designed many weapons, including missiles, multi-barreled machine guns, grenades, mortars, and a modern-style tank.
  • Leonardo dissected human bodies to improve his painting techniques. His purpose for doing so was "[to examine and] to draw the different deflections and reflections of limbs and their dependence upon the nerves and the joints."
  • Leonardo used levels and gears to create the crane, the helicopter, and the automatic turnspit.
  • Answers will vary.

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