Da Vinci — Learning Activities
Understanding Leonardo
Explore the interactive learning activities below to discover more about this fascinating scientist, inventor, and artist.
Teaching Tips >Exploring Leonardo
Leonardo da Vinci was a remarkable Renaissance man. He was a terrific role model for applying the scientific method creatively in every aspect of life, including art and music. Although he is best known for his dramatic and expressive artwork, Leonardo also conducted dozens of carefully thought out experiments and created futuristic inventions that were groundbreaking for the time.
Activity: Linear Perspective
Observe and measure the change in the apparent size of an object as it moves away to create realistic perspective like Leonardo.
Measure Perspectives >Activity: Open Window
Construct and use a replica of Leonardo's drawing machine to create a drawing with natural and correct perspective.
Start Drawing >Activity: Inventor Workshop
Imagine and design inventions to solve specific challenges, then create small working models to test and improve them.
Design an Invention >Activity: Gadget Anatomy
Identify and sketch the simple machines that are combined to create a gadget to better understand how it works.
Begin Your Sketch >Activity: Golden Ratio
Discover the ways Leonardo used the Golden Ratio in some of his most famous works of art.
See It in Action >Activity: Inventions Quiz
Browse Leonardo's machinery sketches and test your knowledge of which invention they eventually became.
Test Your Knowledge >Activity: Mirror Writing
Write a message using Leonardo's mysterious backwards mirror writing style.
Write in Reverse >