Overview:

Introduce the students to Leonardo da Vinci and his different talents and interests

Grades: 3 - 5

Objectives:

1. To learn details about Leonardo da Vinci and his life.
2. To practice note-taking skills.
3. To work in small groups on a collaborative project.

Materials:

Leonardo and the Flying Boy by Laurence Anholt
Poster board and markers or whiteboard and markers
White paper and colored pencils (for each small group)

Lesson Plan

1. Brainstorm with your class: What do we know about Leonardo da Vinci? Prompt them by asking questions such as, "Who was he? When did he live? What were some of his accomplishments?" List their answers to the above questions, as well as any additional facts that the students may volunteer on the poster board.
   
   
2. Read the short biography of Leonardo da Vinci on the back page of Leonardo and the Flying Boy by Laurence Anholt. Have the students take notes as you read, writing down details about his life. When you are finished reading the excerpt, as a group add to your poster, choosing students to take turns both sharing and writing down information that they learned from listening and taking notes.
   
   
3. Read the book Leonardo and the Flying Boy. As you read, show the illustrations that detail Leonardo's inventions, paintings and ideas. Refer back to the notes you took prior to reading the book.
   
   
4. Break up into groups of 3 or 4 students. In the groups, have the students work together to think of a useful and original invention that has not been invented yet (as far as they know). The class will vote on the winners of three categories: "most creative" invention, "most useful" invention, and "the most likely to succeed" invention. This will create more excitement and anticipation and may raise the expectation and concentration level during work time.
   
   
5. Supply colored pencils and paper to each group. Have them collaboratively illustrate and explain their invention. They will need approximately 15-20 minutes to complete this activity.
   
   
6. Have the groups present their invention to the rest of the class. Ask the students to cast their votes. Hand out winning "ribbons" if desired. Display all of the "inventions" in the classroom, along with the poster about Leonardo da Vinci.