Leonardo da Vinci and Flight: A Disciple of Observation and Experience

In this lesson, students will examine Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with flight, his dedication to observing the natural world, and his overall belief in the perfection of natural form. Students will explore the inspiration that Leonardo drew from his observations of nature and the connections he made across disciplines through both observation and experience to sketch imaginative and awe-inspiring designs.

By watching select documentary clips from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon’s Leonardo da Vinci, students will collect evidence to answer the essential question: How did experience and the observation of nature guide Leonardo da Vinci’s exploration of flight? Guided group work aimed at further examining Leonardo’s sketches will inform students’ conclusions.

About the Author:

Merek Chang is a high school science teacher in Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Southern California. He received a Master of Arts in education from San Diego State University. Merek is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and is passionate about uplifting student voices and connecting the community to the classroom through the lens of environmental literacy and civic engagement.