AMclassDialogues :: Blog :: The course Outline: Da Vinci... Inventing The Present Out Of The Past

There are 3 major components to your Renaissance Project:
    1. Invention Model or Presentation
    2. Personal Blog and/or Leonardo's Scrap Book
    3. Class Dialogues and Class Participation

1. Invention Model or Presentation:

Research the importance of a specific invention used today,
and relate this invention to characteristics originally conceptualized
by Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance.
Example: The Automobile - Leonardo's ideas helped with
everything from gears, to the odometer, to the tire jack.

Research and construct a model of one of Leonardo da Vinci's invention sketches.
Compare this invention to modern day inventions that use the same concepts,
or create a 'family tree' explaining how his ideas have been used for different purposes.
Example: The Double-Hulled Ship - which led to separate watertight
compartments inside of ships, improving safety.

Invent something yourself. Using diagrams or a model,
create a new invention that demonstrates the use of simple machines.
Choice A: The invention must be useful to people living during the Renaissance,
making their daily life easier or safer.
Example: Design a machine to push away the scaling ladders of invaders trying
to get inside a castle without exposing the castle dwellers to danger.
Choice B: The invention must be useful now. Build it, and find out how to patent it.
You must relate your idea to at least two inventions during the Renaissance.
Example: a gadget that spreads toothpaste on a tooth brush using springs and gears.

A multi-media presentation that incorporates any of the above topics that interests you. The choices are endless, but if you choose this topic it must be specific and…

It must be approved by Mr. Truss.

2. Personal Blog or Leonardo's Scrap Book

Create your own blog or scrap book of ideas.
Some suggestions for items to put in your Blog/Scrap Book include:
Thoughts about da Vinci, plans for inventions, visual observations, drawings,
artwork, notes about nature, favorite quotes or ideas, letters, magazine cut-outs,
unique ideas, plans or supply list for your Renaissance project, other unique ideas.

Either use your personal blog as your Scrap Book
Or, if you rather put pencil to paper,
You will be given a 11 x 17 inch page, to be folded as instructed.

3. Class Dialogues/ Class Participation

Thoughtfully participate in the on-line Dialogues.
( AMclassDialogues, PMclassDialogues, and/or PhiNotPiDialogues )
You are required to: Ask questions; Answer questions; Share your learning; Plan your project; and Reflect on the process of learning.
Also considered:
Class participation and involvement with daily activities.
Good, consistent use of time, materials, and resources.
Co-operation with teacher, group members and other students.