Peek into the past and meet some famous Renaissance men. You'll learn about the great works and accomplishments of four contributors to the Renaissance legacy. Raphael, Michelangelo, Palestrina, and Di Vinci are all discussed in this...

Middle schoolers complete a unit on inventors and inventions. They explore various websites, outline the components in the invention cycle, develop a table of Renaissance inventions, create a poster, prepare an interview with a famous...

When we think of the Renaissance, we often think of music, art, and philosophy. Your young historians will be amazed to see just how much of our modern technology was invented in this time as well! From clocks and eyeglasses to the...

This resource incorporates a variety of worksheets on the Renaissance, from crossword puzzles and timelines to an activity designing a family coat of arms. If you are considering hosting a Renaissance fair in your class or you're...

Is your class studying the Italian Renaissance? This resource includes 10 short answer and essay questions about the artistic, scientific, political, and philosophical achievements during the Italian Renaissance. The first 3 questions...

Here are five short-answer questions that are intended to accompany a textbook reading. Pupils focus on the beginning of the Northern Renaissance, art, humanism, and book printing. The last question focuses on a section in a specific...

Students investigate the history of cabinetry and furniture, specifically the Renaissance period.  In this art history lesson plan, students investigate photographs of the Renaissance Revival/Aesthetic Cabinet, and examine the small...

Welcome to the Renaissance, known as one of the most vibrant periods in the world of theater. An informational video provides a thorough overview of the period, noting key changes that took place on the stage. After a lengthy discussion...

Present key facts about the significance and controversy surrounding the scientific revolution. It defines terms and discusses people and politics in a comprehensive way. This slide show also includes a flow chart outlining what students...

The influence of the Medici and Pope Nicholas V. works by Donatello, Botticelli, Verrocchio and other artists are featured in a 139-slide PowerPoint focusing on Italian Renaissance art. 

Here is a cross-curricular writing exercise with limited appeal as an engaging or interactive activity. A worksheet on the Renaissance that has learners responding to 3 simple prompts, each of which can easily lead into deeper research....

Students study the impact of the printing press on the Renaissance. They examine how the invention of the printing press continues to influence our lives today. They trace the development of other communication technologies from the...

Students study the invention of the parachute and how Leonardo da Vinci came up with the design.  In this aerodynamics lesson students test the properties that make parachutes more efficient.

Learners investigate the African American culture in the 1920's and the Harlem Renaissance. They read and analyze poems written by poets of the Harlem Renaissance, listen to jazz music and identify the characteristics of the music, and...

Scientist, artist, inventor - was there anything Leonardo da Vinci couldn't do? Supplement your lecture on Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance with this presentation. Viewers will be surprised at how many modern scientific revelations...

After getting to know the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci and his many inventions, scholars think up their own invention. Following a written description and a hand-drawn picture, learners use a method of mirror writing and antiquing to give...

Guide your class on an art adventure sharping with them the changes reflected in Renaissance art. Students will use a T-Graph and a Venn Diagram to compare what they notice in art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. They will note...

When you hear Leonardo da Vinci mentioned, chances are that you think of the Mona Lisa, or flying machines—but what about plastic? Learners blend heavy cream and vinegar over heat to replicate da Vinci's early organic plastic recipe.

A short clip discusses Leonardo da Vinci's art, inventions, architecture, and amazing mind. Many of his inventions and ideas have actually been built, such as tanks, man-powered flying machines, and a parachute.

Who were the great artists of the Early Renaissance period? Learn about Brunelleschi, Ghilberti, Donatello, Micheloz, Alberti, Albertizo, Botticelli, and Mantegna. The great works of each artist are shown along with a description of...

Expose your class to words directly from Leonardo da Vinci with this primary source document. Learners analyze the document, a letter from Leonardo da Vinci to Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and respond to 3 short answer questions....

Invent a new machine for the 21st century and make a model of the invention in this cross-curricular lesson about Leonardo da Vinci. Young inventors will use various art supplies to create their models. The lesson includes resource links...

Middle schoolers discuss how Leonardo Da Vinci reflected the spirit of the Renaissance. They examine his achivements and explain the significance of his notebooks. They write essays on what constitutes a "rRenaissance man."

It's test day! Keep your historians from groaning by using a straightforward format like this world history unit exam. Students answer 30 multiple choice questions and 1 essay prompt about the Renaissance, the Black Death, and the...