Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest thinkers that ever lived. He was a very curious person who asked lots of questions about the world around him. Leonardo da Vinci lived in Italy.

Leonardo had many talents and interests, and he loved learning. He studied how the human body worked. He was fascinated by nature and studied many plants and animals.

Leonardo da Vinci was an inventor. He tried to build a machine that would help people to fly. Leonardo drew the first plans for a helicopter, bicycle, motor car and a wristwatch. His plans were later used by many inventors that lived after him.

Leonardo da Vinci also was one of the greatest artists and sculptors of all time.

Leonardo’s work and his attitude helped to increase European knowledge about how things worked.

During the European Renaissance some people used the new knowledge of mathematics, science and technology to increase their understanding of the planets, the sun and the stars.

Galileo used a new invention, the astronomical telescope, to study the moon, sun and stars. Galileo’s studies showed that the sun is at the centre of the solar system and that the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun. This was called the heliocentric model. Many great scientists today say that Galileo was responsible for the birth of modern science.

The ideas of the Renaissance inspired the desire for new knowledge and adventures. It also helped create new ideas and ways of thinking, as shown by da Vinci and Galileo. The scientific discoveries and inventions during this period made it easier for Europeans to begin their long journeys of exploration that you will learn about in the next unit. 

For more information about Galileo's telescope and how it impacted the world see this weblink: Article on Galileo 

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

Now try the follow quiz to see what you can remember from today's lesson.