Leonardo Da Vinci

Introduction

Da Vinci was one of the great creative minds of the Italian Renaissance, hugely influential as an artist and sculptor but also immensely talented as an engineer, scientist and inventor. The more you learn about this remarkable Renaissance man, the more you will realize that he was a terrific role model for applying the scientific method creatively in every aspect of life including art and music. Although he is best known for his dramatic and expressive artwork, Leonardo also conducted dozens of carefully thought out experiments and created futuristic inventions in a time before modern science and invention had really begun. He spent most of his time studying science, either by going out into nature and observing things or by locking himself away in his workshop cutting up bodies or pondering universal truths.

As you complete the following activities, you will learn about Leonardo da Vinci’s life, his paintings, inventions, drawings and much more. Some say he was the most talented person to have lived, with knowledge and curiosity that spanned a wide range of fields. Research on to find out what made him so special.

"Learning never exhausts the mind ”
- Leonardo da Vinci

Task

As an investigative researcher team your task is to discover, outline and give examples and information about:

Where did he live? When did he live? Why is he famous?
Explain Leonardo’s work as engineer. Why Leonardo da Vinci’s technological work remains unique? Name some of his inventions.
Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, a sculptor and an architect at the same time. Describe two of his most famous paintings and drawings: the Mona Lisa and The Vitrivian Man drawing. Why are they so extraordinary?
Leonardo as the humanist: research about his famous codex. What does the code include? Name some of the topics included on the codex. Why do you think it is the most notable document from Leonardo?
Leonardo used mirror writing, starting at the right side of the page and moving to the left. Why do you think Leonardo wrote in reverse?

Process

You will be assigned to work with a group of 4-5 classmates.
You will individually research one or more of the 5 topics mentioned on the task tab.
You will then present your findings to your group completing an outline for each of the 5 topics.
This research about Leonardo will add to your background knowledge of this extraordinary man
Please use all links found on this webquest. They will ensure your success!

Evaluation

Category	4 Exemplary	3 Accomplished	2 Developing	1 Beginning	Score:
Research about his life	The students have described where he lived, when and why he became famous very specific and detailed.	The students have described where he lived, when and why he became famous with a few extra details .	The students have described where he lived, when and why he became famous by making a short summary.	The students have described where he lived, when and why he became famous with few words.
Research about Leonardo’s work as engineer	The students have made a research about his work as engineer and have shown a great understanding.	The students have made a research about his work as engineer and have shown an okay understanding.	The students have made a research about his work as engineer and have shown an understanding.	The students have made a research about his work as engineer and have shown only little understanding.
Research about Leonardo as a painter	The students have made a research about his work as a painter and have shown a great understanding.	The students have made a research about his work as a painter and have shown an okay understanding.	The students have made a research about his work as a painter and have shown an understanding.	The students have made a research about his work as a painter and have shown an little understanding.
Research about Leonardo as the humanist	The students have made a research about the humanist and have shown a great understanding.	The students have made a research about the humanist and have shown an okay understanding.	The students have made a research about the humanist and have shown an understanding.	The students have made a research about the humanist and have shown only little understanding
Research about mirror writing	The students have made a research about mirror writing and provide a description, some explanation and ideas	The students have made a research about mirror writing and have provided a description and an idea	The students have made a research mirror writing and have provided a description	The students have made a research about mirror writing and have shown an little understanding.
Team work	All members of the group participated and contributed equally.	Most members of the group participated and contributed their share of the work	Most members of the group contributed in some part of the work.	One or two members of the group did most or all of the work