Mabon: Renaissance Art & Science
From Michelangelo's David to Gutenberg's press, we explore the High Renaissance and Northern Renaissance—a time when art and science flourished together.
UU Principle Focus
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Study the masters: Michelangelo, Raphael, Northern Renaissance artists
- • Understand the impact of the printing press on society
- • Explore Renaissance science and observation
- • Solve linear equations with multiple steps
- • Study human body systems: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory
- • Connect Mabon themes of balance to Renaissance integration of art and science
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Michelangelo: Sculptor of the Soul
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Michelangelo said he 'saw the angel in the marble and carved to set it free.' What potential do you see in yourself waiting to be released?
📚 Language Arts
Study Michelangelo: the David, Pietà, Sistine Chapel. Read his poetry. Write about art as spiritual expression.
✖️ Math
Introduction to linear equations. What is a linear equation? Identifying linear vs. non-linear.
🔬 Science: Human Body
Human body systems introduction. Levels of organization: cells, tissues, organs, systems.
✏️ Form Drawing
Figure drawing inspired by Michelangelo
🧶 Handwork
Sculpting with clay; autumn harvest crafts
📖 Story
Michelangelo: The Agony and the Ecstasy
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Michelangelo Documentary
- Body Systems Overview
Shows:
- The Divine Michelangelo
Audio:
- The Agony and the Ecstasy excerpts
Week 2: Raphael and the High Renaissance
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Raphael's 'School of Athens' shows great thinkers from all eras together. Whose ideas would you want to discuss? What conversations matter most?
📚 Language Arts
Study Raphael and the High Renaissance. Analyze 'The School of Athens.' Write about the value of diverse perspectives.
✖️ Math
Solving one-step linear equations. Using inverse operations. Checking solutions.
🔬 Science: Human Body
Skeletal system: bones, joints, cartilage. Functions of the skeleton. Bone health.
✏️ Form Drawing
Composition studies—arranging figures in space
🧶 Handwork
Continue clay work; apple preservation
📖 Story
Raphael and the School of Athens
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- School of Athens Analysis
- Skeletal System
Shows:
- Great Artists: Raphael
Audio:
- Renaissance art history
Week 3: The Northern Renaissance
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The Northern Renaissance focused on everyday life and moral lessons. How can ordinary moments be meaningful and sacred?
📚 Language Arts
Study the Northern Renaissance: Van Eyck, Dürer, Bruegel. Compare to Italian Renaissance. Write about finding meaning in daily life.
✖️ Math
Solving two-step linear equations. Order of operations in reverse. Word problems.
🔬 Science: Human Body
Muscular system: types of muscles, how muscles work, muscle care and exercise.
✏️ Form Drawing
Detailed observation drawings in Northern style
🧶 Handwork
Detailed crafts; prepare Mabon decorations
📖 Story
Artists of the North: Van Eyck to Bruegel
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Northern Renaissance Art
- Muscular System
Shows:
- The Story of Art
Audio:
- Art history podcast
Week 4: The Printing Press Revolution
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Gutenberg's printing press spread ideas faster than ever before. How has technology changed how we share ideas today? What responsibility comes with that power?
📚 Language Arts
Study Gutenberg and the printing press. How did it change the world? Write about the power of spreading ideas.
✖️ Math
Solving equations with variables on both sides. Combining like terms.
🔬 Science: Human Body
Circulatory system: heart, blood vessels, blood. The path of blood through the body.
✏️ Form Drawing
Typography and letterform designs
🧶 Handwork
Create a simple printed design; harvest crafts
📖 Story
Gutenberg and the Printing Revolution
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Printing Press History
- Circulatory System
Shows:
- Printing: The Black Art
Audio:
- Gutenberg's Apprentice excerpts
Week 5: Renaissance Science: Observing the World
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Renaissance scientists began observing nature carefully instead of just accepting old ideas. When have you discovered something by looking closely?
📚 Language Arts
Study Renaissance science: anatomy, astronomy, natural philosophy. Vesalius, Copernicus. Write about the importance of observation.
✖️ Math
Special cases: equations with no solution or infinite solutions. Identifying special cases.
🔬 Science: Human Body
Respiratory system: lungs, breathing, gas exchange. How oxygen gets to cells.
✏️ Form Drawing
Scientific illustration—anatomical drawings
🧶 Handwork
Nature observation journals; prepare Mabon altar
📖 Story
Vesalius and the Study of the Human Body
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Renaissance Science
- Respiratory System
Shows:
- The Story of Science
Audio:
- Science history podcast
Week 6: Mabon: Balance of Art and Science
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The Renaissance balanced art and science, beauty and truth. Mabon celebrates balance. How do we balance different parts of ourselves?
📚 Language Arts
Write a reflection on balance: creativity and logic, tradition and innovation. Complete Renaissance projects.
✖️ Math
Review linear equations. Real-world applications and word problems.
🔬 Science: Human Body
Review body systems. Create a presentation on how systems work together.
✏️ Form Drawing
Create a balanced Mabon design incorporating Renaissance elements
🧶 Handwork
Complete Mabon crafts; prepare celebration
📖 Story
The Renaissance Mind: Art and Science United
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Mabon Traditions
- Body Systems Review
Shows:
- Connections
Audio:
- Renaissance stories
🍂 Mabon Celebration
- 🟡 Create a balance altar with Renaissance art reproductions
- 🟡 Display body system projects and scientific illustrations
- 🟡 Hold a harvest feast celebrating the balance of art and science
- 🟡 Share presentations on Renaissance masters
- 🟡 Reflect on balance in learning and life