Unleashing the Renaissance Genius: Leonardo Da Vinci inspires an Extraordinary Cross-Curricular Class Project
This fourth-grade class project at Lycée Français de New York centered around Leonardo da Vinci, showcases the expertise and dedication of the educators involved. Through their collaborative efforts, homeroom teacher, Sébastien Freland alongside art and music teachers, Mireille Miller and Sébastien Tomasini, crafted an extraordinary and motivating experiential learning journey for our students.
By integrating language arts, math, science, physics/engineering, art, and music, students immersed themselves in the Renaissance genius of Leonardo da Vinci and developed a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge. This cross-curricular project not only fostered critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning but also empowered students to become lifelong learners who understand the transformative power of interdisciplinary education.
Language Arts: Reading, Writing and Oral Language
Sébastien Freland curated books and articles about Leonardo da Vinci’s life and contributions. From Leonardo’s enigmatic paintings to his scientific breakthroughs, students delved into his world through compelling narratives and engaging discussions. This interdisciplinary approach strengthened their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, and also nurtured their ability to express themselves effectively through writing and oral presentations. Students wrote reflections and persuasive speeches, honing their language skills while immersing themselves in the fascinating world of Da Vinci.
The Mathematical Marvels of Da Vinci
To unlock the mathematical genius of Leonardo, Sébastien Freland led his students on a journey into the intricate patterns and mathematical concepts embedded within Da Vinci’s artworks and scientific explorations. The students learned about the complex mathematical calculations that underpinned Leonardo’s engineering marvels. Through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving, students discovered the beauty of math beyond the confines of a textbook.
Sébastien Freland also incorporated Leonardo’s scientific investigations into his lessons. By experimenting with the laws of motion, students explored Da Vinci’s scientific discoveries and theories. Through engaging experiments and thought-provoking discussions, they experienced firsthand the excitement of scientific inquiry and gained a deeper appreciation for Da Vinci’s pioneering contributions to these fields.
Art
Under the guidance of the art teacher, Mireille Miller, our fourth graders were encouraged to deepen their skills in painting and drawing by emulating Da Vinci’s artistic techniques and experimenting with various mediums. They examined his masterpieces, practiced sketching, and even attempted to recreate his most famous work, Mona Lisa. Mireille fostered an environment where students felt empowered to express themselves artistically, embracing the notion that art is not confined to canvas but can be found in every aspect of life.
Music
Lastly, the Music teacher, Sébastien Tomasini, led his students into an enchanting musical journey inspired by Da Vinci’s interdisciplinary genius. Students explored the music of the Renaissance era that captured the essence of his artistic vision. By blending historical context, theory, and practical application, Sébastien Tomasini provided a melodious avenue for students to immerse themselves in Da Vinci’s world and deepen their understanding of his creative spirit.
About the Author :
Vannina Boussouf grew up on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, where bilingualism is an integral part of identity. She studied English and Spanish at the University of Corsica, and philology and letters in Cordoba, Spain, before starting a career as an elementary teacher and administrator. Vannina relocated to the United States in 2004, where she taught at the International School in Louisiana. She joined the Lycée in 2007 to direct the Primary School, and during her tenure, she has focused on innovative teaching methods that support the development of the whole child in a bilingual setting.