Submitted by: Art educator Michelle Jamal

Objectives/Abstract:

• The learner will recognize the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci.
• The learner will invent a new machine for the 21st century.
• The learner will make a model of the invention.

What You Need:

• invention diagram (see recommended links below)
• cardboard boxes
• tempera paint
• brushes
• paint cups
• water containers
• glue
• scissors
• pipe cleaners
• fabric scraps
• construction paper
• markers
• other found objects

What You Do:

1. Identify and discuss the contributions that Leonardo da Vinci made during the High Renaissance period of Art.
   • Artist
   • Scientist
   • Inventor

2. Students will choose a partner. Each group of students will think of a new machine that would make life easier in the 21st century.

3. Make a diagram of the machine. Briefly describe how the machine will work.

4. Use cardboard boxes and other found objects to build a model of the invention.

5. Paint/color the machine after it is completely put together.

6. Add fabric, glitter, yarn, buttons, etc… to finish the invention.

7. Present the invention to the class.
   • What is the name of the invention?
   • What does it do?
   • How does it work?
   • How much will it cost?
   • Where could you purchase it?

Artist Biography:

Leonardo Da Vinci was, as you are probably aware, a true master artist. In fact, many folks refer to him as the greatest artist ever produced by the Renaissance. The man who grew to a ripe old age of 67, is probably best known for his mysterious painting, "Mona Lisa" or "La Gioconda", a portrait of the wife of a Florentine official which was painted in Da Vinci's later years. As a painter, Da Vinci was astounding, having trained under the watchful eye of Verrocchio, a Florentine painter, goldsmith and sculptor. Da Vinci learned his craft and went on to use it not only for pleasure, but for payment. His reputation as a master earned him many commissions. He was the original creative thinker, a philosopher as much as an artist who after contemplating a move in his work, would stop, look and contemplate some more.

A painter, sculptor, scientist, inventor, architect, mathematician and philosopher, Leonardo Da Vinci influenced generations of humans.

More Information:

Leonardo's Mysterious Machines
http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/LeosMysteriousMachinery.html

Exploring Leonardo da Vinci, Science Learning Network
http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/LeoHomePage.html

Leonardo da Vinci: A Man of Both Worlds
http://library.thinkquest.org/3044/nov_main.html

Sanford artedventures 1 Point Perspective student handout
http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/teach/lp_1pt_handout.html

Recommended Books: