Personalities of the Renaissance
As a result of this activity, students will have a greater understanding of the individuals and ideas of the Renaissance.

An Introduction to the Renaissance
In this lesson, students use prior knowledge of the Middle Ages before engaging in thoughtful class discussions and activities in this Renaissance movement lesson.

The Renaissance: Were there certain times in History where civilization progressed more rapidly than other times?
Working with partners, students research one aspect of the Renaissance, or the time period leading up to the Renaissance.

Guild Hall
Experience, first hand, applying for a guild apprentice card; meet masters who will teach you all that you will need to know to earn the status of journeyman (or woman) on the way to becoming a master in your own right.
 
Renaissance WebQuest
The word "Renaissance" is a French word that means "rebirth".  During the Renaissance, Western Europe's world image shifted from a religious view to a worldly outlook. Renaissance intellectuals had a growing confidence in individual human spirit and abilities. Your assignment will be to research one of the famous Renaissance intellectuals, answer the designated questions, and portray the individual at a Renaissance meal.

The Renaissance - Why was it so important?
You have just finished learning all about the Medieval time period. Now, imagine what it might have felt like to enter into a time when beautiful artwork was created and valued, sculptures and architecture, too.

The four (4) lessons below are from the PBS site entitled "Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance." This link is featured on their "Empires" website. The "Empires" page contains information on many more of the world's important time periods, religions, and people.

Lesson Plan 1: The Birth of a Dynasty
In this lesson, students will contrast Renaissance and Medieval attitudes and understand the origins of the Renaissance.

Lesson Plan 2: The Magnificent Medici
In this lesson, students will understand Humanism, appreciate genius in art, and view the film and understand how images and sounds are used to convey information and mood.

Lesson Plan 3: The Medici Popes
In this lesson, students will understand Italian politics and warfare of the Renaissance and understand the origins and effects of the Protestant Reformation.

Lesson Plan 4: Power vs. Truth
In this lesson, students will understand the effects of the Protestant Reformation and the Counter Reformation and understand the contributions of the Renaissance to the scientific method as well as to developing scientific principles.

BBC History:
The Changing British Population Animation.
Play the animation, and track how key events in British history have affected the size of the British population.

Medieval Art
This collection of 50 objects of Medieval Art from the Metopolitan Museum of Art show the strong religious influence. The selection shows the differences between Byzantium and Western Europe religious objects and the shift in style at the end of the Middle Ages/early Renaissance.

The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy
 This primary source document focuses on a variety of Renaissance topics, from humanism, morality, and religion to festivals, art, and discoveries.

Leonardo da Vinci
Explore this site and learn about this fascinating scientist, inventor, and artist.

Ye Olde Renaissance Map
Click on the various parts of this virtual museum of the Renaissance to discover how towns, universities, cathedrals, etc. operated during the European Renaissance. Meet major figures of the Renaissance such as Galileo.

Art and Artists in the Renaissance
The period of the Renaissance (14th and 16th centuries) brought with it many important changes in the social and cultural position of the artist. Over the course of the period there is a steady rise in the status of the painter, sculptor, and architect and a growing sympathy expressed for the visual arts. Here is background information and examples for classroom viewing and discussion.

Artists by Movement: The Early Renaissance
Here is a long list of Early Renaissance artists, most from the Italian Renaissance. Select the artist and a list of his works and museum exhibits of his works is shown, many of which are hotlinks. From these hotlinks, select an image to view or study.

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