DaVinci-07-Dialogues :: Blog

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.
OR
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.
OR
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.
OR
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 Dialogue - This Blog! (I do not check the Social Forum for thoughtful contributions, I do check comments on personal blogs.)
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.

- - - - -

Some advice... do a lot of reading and exploring of Da Vinci's world early on. With more background information on Da Vinci and the Renaissance, you will find that things will fall into place as we get closer to the fair... which comes sooner than you think!

This is a space for students to add to the class' learning dialogue.

Definition: dialogue |ˈdīəˌläg; -ˌlôg| (also dialog) noun
• a discussion between two or more people or groups, esp. one directed toward exploration of a particular subject or resolution of a problem. See 'conversation'.

Every student will contribute to this dialogue on a regular basis.

There are some basic rules for using this forum.

The school beliefs apply to this forum.

1.Respect- We are polite, kind and appropriate at all times. Remember that many students and Mr. Truss will view your comments. If you use a computer that someone else has logged into, then log them out, (it is an office issue to use someone elses identity to post a message). 

2. Inclusion- Anyone is welcome to comment or join a discussion as long as they are respectful.

3. Learning- This is a place to reflect and learn. You are encouraged to: Ask questions; Answer questions; Share your learning; Plan your project; and Reflect on the process of learning.

Student blogs should be considered learning spaces, especially if you decided to add a comment on someone else's personal blog (their Da Vinci Scrap Book).

4. Safety- Never use last names or the school name. Always click on the "Access restrictions" drop-down menu and set restrictions to                
"Group: DaVinci07" before you post... this way our comments stay private for members of our classes only.

You must always be respectful, include others and be safe when using this or any other Da Vinci '07 online space.

Every Student must add a comment to this post. Under "Your Name" leave it as your user name or put your first name and last initial. Your Comment text will say,

"I have read and I understand the basic rules to posting in all project forums and blogs."

You can say more than this if you wish. (Mr. Truss has done one as an example.)