Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions

Posted on | January 8, 2010 | 5 Comments

amazing leonardo da vinci inventions

I’m a big fan of technology books written for kids. I first discovered them when I homeschooled my son for 7 years. Even though those days are now long past, I still read and use this genre of books constantly.

These books have been the source for some of my most innovative projects. Books from these books have inspired me to make a pantograph (a type of drawing tool), a flower press, cardboard furniture, sprouts, flicker books, a bird feeder and homemade cheese. I loved all these endeavors, but I would never have tried them without the “push” that children’s books gave me.

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions is the newest addition to my book collection. The book starts off with a history of the Renaissance and then goes on to a biography of da Vinci. After that, the project section begins.

The project section is divided into five parts: art, machines, water, flight and war. There are anywhere from 2-6 projects in each category.

For me, the projects are the “meat” of the book. Each project has very easy-to-follow directions, accompanied an abundance of illustrations. In addition, each of the projects is put into historical context, with an accompanying photograph of Leonardo’s work.

As I flipped through the projects, I mentally made a note of those I would enjoy trying on my own, and those that would be fun to do with the kids. The projects for me to try include building a perspectograph, learning two-point perspective, plastic making and paint making. Projects for the children are a camera obscura, a hygrometer and trebuchet.

If, like me, you’re a crafter who enjoys bringing a bit of technology into her projects, take a look at Amazing Leonard da Vinci Inventions. It’s available inexpensively on Amazon, or at most public libraries.

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Comments

5 Responses to “Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions”

Michelle
January 19th, 2010 @ 5:45 pm

I love book reviews. I actually look at them before deciding whether to purchase. Thanks for sharing this one.
Angie
January 24th, 2010 @ 6:55 am

Thanks for the review! Sound like a great book!
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January 26th, 2010 @ 4:12 pm

[...] presents Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions posted at Craft Stew, saying, “I’m a big fan of technology books written for kids. I first [...]
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January 29th, 2010 @ 8:01 am

[...] Berlin presents Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions posted at Craft Stew, saying, “I’m a big fan of technology books written for kids. I first [...]
{ jamie }
January 29th, 2010 @ 11:52 pm

Looks like fun.