Ohio Standards Connections: This unit is based on History Content Standard 5:  Describe the impact of new ideas and institutions of European life including (b.) Major achievements in art, architecture and literature during the Renaissance.

Lesson Title: Seeing the Renaissance through Art Lesson Context: This is the second lesson in a unit entitled “The Renaissance Revisited” Lesson Summary: A visual journey through the Italian Renaissance will give students an opportunity to see major achievements in art and architecture. Reading and discussion will extend consideration to accomplishments in literature. Estimated Duration: This lesson may be conducted in two to four class sessions (approximately 45 minutes each), depending on how many examples will be shown. Commentary: This lesson is dependent on visual resources—slides, (streaming) video, or web-based materials. Although much of Renaissance accomplishment is seen through the visual arts, consideration should also be given to literary achievement. Pre-Assessment: Two informal assessments are recommended. One pre-assessment involves showing examples or pre-Renaissance art (Middle Ages) and Renaissance art of the same content, asking students to compare and contrast the pieces. This might be best accomplished using three pairs of contrasting art (paintings and sculptures of comparable subject matter). Students compare and contrast the pairs, with guided questioning to highlight differences that portray the elements of mathematics in art and architecture. (See <http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1986/3/86.03.08.x.html> for information Scoring Guidelines: Because this pre-assessment is used as a teaching activity to introduce art concepts, the “scoring” will be teacher judgment combined with student participation in creating a checklist of criteria to use for viewing Renaissance art.. Post-Assessment: The post-assessment for the unit is the post-assessment for this activity. Teacher intervention can be provided throughout subsequent activities to check for student understanding. Scoring Guidelines: The black line master for the post-assessment will also serve as the scoring guide/rubric for the assessment. Instructional Procedures: After introducing art works in the pre-assessment, continue with an audio-visual presentation that introduces the Renaissance era. An introductory module or segment should be used here, with and immediate follow-up period for vocabulary clarification and questions. Use the “Renaissance Collection” (see materials) assignment to introduce students to the task they must complete. Present students with the first entry on Leonardo da Vinci selected for the fictional “The Renaissance Collection” so that students can see an example of the product. Walk students through the various web sites and print resources that were used to create the da Vinci entry. Explain concepts—symmetry, proportion, perspective, realism, Greco-Roman classicism—along the way as they are presented. When the da Vinci investigation is completed, spend some time explaining principles and values of Renaissance architecture, also using audio-visual resources. A short reading of Renaissance literature should be used to explore humanist values in writing. Further consideration of writing may be continued in class to assure that students understand humanist principles. This portion of the investigation may continue at home. Differentiated Instructional Support § Group struggling students with a partner who demonstrates comprehensive of and motivation about this activity. § Collect resources written on a variety of levels to provide all students with information that will be appropriate to their skills. Extension Annenberg/CPB Learner.org provides an excellent interactive exercise on the Fibonacci series in nature. Students can start with the web-based activity and continue the investigation by recreating Fibonacci patterns with different materials on their own. < http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/fibonacci/> Other online activities include Renaissance Readings and Quiz < http://members.aol.com/worldciv/renaissance.html> Renaissance Faire <http://www.renfaire.com/> Renaissance Journey <http://library.thinkquest.org/C005356/index2.htm> Renaissance Architecture <http://www.lib.virginia.edu/dic/colls/arh102/index.html> The Illusion of the Renaissance <http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1986/3/86.03.08.x.html> Homework Options and Home Connections Work not completed with in the class periods can be completed as homework. The extension activities can be used by students who have Internet connections at home. Interdisciplinary Connections Although the connections to art (painting and sculpture) are directed in this unit, it is also possible to extend ties to mathematics, particularly geometry, are especially easy to make through both art and architecture in this lesson. Materials and Resources: For teachers: A variety of resources, both print and Web-based, that provide the requisite information in different formats and at different levels for student use Audiovisuals materials (streaming/video or DVD) to provide graphic examples and introduction to the period Backline masters and samples for all students Backline masters of assessment for all students Chalkboard, a transparency and transparencies, or an interactive whiteboard For students: Black line masters of maps for assessment Print or web-based resources Key Vocabulary Apprentice Architecture Civilization Fresco Greco-Roman Classicism Humanism Humanities Medieval Middle Ages Oil Paint Patron Perspective Philosophy Proportion Realism Rebirth Renaissance Revival Social Class Symmetry Utopia Technology Connections The following websites are used extensively in this lesson: Annenberg/CPB Learner.org Renaissance, < http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/index.html> Leonardo’s Workshop <http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/play/leonardo/a2.html> Research Connections Will be part of Lessons 3 and 4 of the unit; completed with the Library Media Specialist. Attachments The following materials are used in this lesson: Renaissance Collection Directions Renaissance research choices Ren Collection Worksheet Ren Collection Rubric Collections worksheet—davinci example