Day 1: Water Wonders - Exploring Leonardo da Vinci and Water Technology

 

History Makers Society Session:

• Introduction to Marcus Vitruvius Pollio and his contributions to water infrastructure during ancient times.

• Discuss how aspects of his works influenced sanitation practices in the future.

 

Science Exploration Session:

• Study Leonardo da Vinci's studies of water.

• Engage in the Da Vinci's Bridge STEM Challenge using popsicle sticks to understand engineering principles related to water.

 

Art Project:

• Learn about Leonardo da Vinci's studies of water.

• Create individual water study sketches or paintings inspired by da Vinci's work.

 

Day 2: Water Wonders - Aqueducts and Engineering Marvels

 

History Makers Society Session:

• Recap Marcus Vitruvius Pollio's contributions.

• Introduce the concept of aqueducts and their significance in water infrastructure.

 

Science Exploration Session:

• Learn about the engineering behind aqueducts.

• Engage in a hands-on activity to design and construct a model aqueduct.

 

Art Project:

• Study collage artist Robin Brooks' works as inspiration.

• Create collage art pieces depicting scenes related to water and it’s movement.

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Day 3: Water Wonders - Nature's Contribution to Water Infrastructure

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History Makers Society Session:

• ​Learn about Lewis Henry Morgan, a railroad director from the mid 1800s, and how he published a 396-page beaver bible: "The American Beaver and His Works." 

• We will look at his maps and see how they show beaver dams still standing from 150 years ago.  

 

Science Exploration Session:

• Research the importance of beaver dams to ecosystems.

• Discuss how beaver dams can inspire human-designed water infrastructure.

 

Art Project:

• Learners will explore Roy Lichtenstein's iconic comic-style artwork and dive into the use of onomatopoeia in visual storytelling. They will then have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by crafting a comic narrative depicting a beaver constructing a dam, utilizing either digital art tools or traditional materials available.

• Use creative illustrations to depict the process and significance of beaver dams in water management.

 

Throughout the curriculum, learners will explore the historical, scientific, and artistic aspects of water technology and infrastructure, connecting them to real-world applications and natural phenomena.

 

The above topics provide a general scope for our unit study, serving as a foundation for our exploration of water wonders. However, we aim to foster a broader learning experience by empowering learners to choose their own paths of research and project-based learning. By encouraging individual interests and inquiries, we enhance engagement and encourage deeper exploration of the diverse aspects of water technology, movement, and infrastructure. Throughout the unit study learners will have the opportunity to explore additional activities within the topic in a way that is most comfortable and engaging for them.

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*Curriculum developed by Raising Brain, LLC