Leonardo da Vinci

Respond to the following prompt:

How can Da Vinci be characterized as a true Renaissance Man?

1.      Visit the following link to conduct additional research to help you prepare your blog posting:

http://www.mos.org/leonardo/bio.html

*Be sure to explore the links detailing his life as a scientist, an artist and inventor.

2.  Provide an image to augment your posting.

The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance

Consider the following prompt.  Prepare a written response and discuss your ideas via a chat room with your peers.
 

Some would characterize the Medici family as if they were the mafia.  Define mafia and decide whether or not the Medici can and should be described as mafioso.  Use evidence to support your argument.

Please click on the following link to access Ms. Casey's blog and determine your chat room assignment.

Ms. Casey's Blog

Brunelleschi and the Incredible Dome

Virtuosity: a technical skill, fluency or style brought about by special knowledge of or interest in art or craftsmanship
Creative leadership: showing people the way though imagination and originality
Courage: the ability to do something in the face of fear, danger and/or disapproval
Risk-taking: taking actions that may have undesired or unpleasant results, but at the same time provide an opportunity for a positive outcome

The story of Brunelleschi's dome is one of human ambition achieved through virtuosity, creative leadership, courage and risk-taking.  Consider these various characteristics and discuss which one you believe most prompted Brunelleschi to succeed in the construction of his masterpiece.  Further, consider the following essential question as it relates to Brunelleschi and the construction of the dome, "How do the actions and decisions of people effect change?"

Where do new ideas come from?

How are new ideas generated in our learning environment, our community, our society, our world?
Consider these different environments as you respond to the essential question posted above.

What makes a good story?

My Favorite Story

As I reflect over our short story unit, my favorite short story was "The Sniper".  Primarily, I was drawn to this story because of its setting.  I enjoyed studying the historical background of the Irish Civil War and deepening my understanding of the Republican and Free State ideals.  Further, with an improved understanding of the historical time period, I found that I had a much deeper appreciation for the character of the Sniper.  I began to understand how his ideals allowed him to commit acts that I would otherwise deem acceptable, like callously killing the old woman in the street.  I was completely unprepared for the story's resolution, but I thought this was an extremely effective way for O'Flaherty to communicate theme.  Civil war certainly can tear families apart.