Description/Aim

The aim is to introduce you to the some of the key developments in mathematics during the Renaissance period. The resource was designed for 12-13 year olds. Your year group may be taken off timetable, split into "teams" and given a "Renaissance" session with each one of seven subjects: Design & Technology, Art, English, Science, Maths&ICT, French and Music. Your history teacher (ours is Russel Tarr) has carefully organised and will lead the day. On the second day each group will have an hour to put together a presentation focusing on: What changed during the Renaissance? Why did these changes take place? How are these changes connected to each other? The key aim is to break down the artificial divides that hide the interrelationships between subjects e.g. a mathematician invented musical scores notation, perspective in painting is visual mathematics etc."Without boxes, borders or boundaries" (charlie winston). . . . .

Why we like this activity ….

Today, human knowledge is so extensive that it's surprising if one person knows enough to build even the wing of an aeroplane. How much more inspiring when you realise you can build your own plane, taking amazing photos of your garden and house, draw out an artistic impression for a new design of house and home complete with a composition to celebrate its completion (heady days Watson, heady days!). You will have created your perfect environment within which to write a masterpiece on your life, love, laughs and lessons or simply a work of fiction.

How this activity be used ….

You're all going to click on the first "document" link above and fill out the answers as you watch the youtube BBC clip from Marcus de Sautoy (an Oxford University Professor: don't limit yourself with your own prejudices and preconceptions, things are as you choose to see them, change your view and the world changes with you, to a large extent).

Half the team is going to have the second document "alggeofusion" (harder!) and the other half the third document "alggeofusionBLANK".

What to expect when using this activity – from our experience

Think, have fun, and in particular, appreciate that knowledge knows no national boundaries: France (Descartes), Germany (Bartholomäus), Belgium (Stevin), Scotland (Napier) etc. This day is focused on Europe, and that's not even half the story!

Extra Notes