Innovators in Action!: Leonardo da Vinci Gets a Do-Over

by Mark P. Friedlander

Overview

The passing of great Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci—artist, anatomist, engineer, inventor—marked the end of an era. The world hasn’t seen a visionary like him since.

… Until now. On a school trip to Florence, three American middle school students think they are in for a treat when a man who claims to be Leonardo da Vinci, brought back to life with a mission to better humankind, crashes their tour. Too bad he isn’t really the celebrated Master of the Renaissance … or is he? Tag along as Max, Tad, and Gina assist Leonardo on his quest while discovering the secrets of his life and teaching the Maestro about science, math, history, art, and more! Will the students be able to help Leonardo evade the mayor of Florence’s selfish grasp so he can complete his quest before his time is up… again?

Leonardo da Vinci Gets A Do-Over is the first adventure in this new and exciting Innovators in Action blended fiction series.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780967802060
Publisher:	Science, Naturally!
Publication date:	12/07/2014
Series:	Innovators in Action Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Mark P. Friedlander, Jr. is an attorney in Fairfax, VA. An Air Force pilot in the Korean War, he loves studying technology, history and science. He has written extensively, for both adult and young adult audiences, on subjects ranging from Shakespeare to aviation history, contagious diseases to forensic science. He can be reached at [e-mail].

Table of Contents

Innovators in Action: Leonardo da Vinci Gets a Do-Over
ISBN 13: 978-0-9678020-6-0
 
Table of Contents
 
Why I Wrote This Book                                               15       
Prologue                                                                       17
Chapter 1: The Meeting                                               21
Chapter 2: The Adventure Begins                                35
Chapter 3: The Awakening                                          43
Chapter 4: The Bicycle                                                49
Chapter 5: The Department Store                                61
Chapter 6: The Afternoon                                            69
Chapter 7: The Plan                                                     83
Chapter 8: The Airplane                                              87
Chapter 9: The New Challenge                                 101
Chapter 10: The Entertainer                                      111
Chapter 11: A Lesson Learned                                  127
Chapter 12: The University                                       137
Chapter 13: Back Home                                            155
Chapter 14: The Final Adventure                              169
Who was the Real Leonardo da Vinci?                     187
Continue Reading about Leonardo da Vinci             189
Glossary                                                                     193
Index                                                                          201
 

Editorial Reviews

Mark Friedlander’s book is a clever read for students and teachers in a primarily middle school setting. In some cases, entry level high school students could tackle the book and carry ideas through to collaboration with classmates. Clever in design, the story covers all content areas of curriculum to the point at which students will be engrossed in learning and fascinated with content that they may neither appreciate nor truly understand.
The book can assist students in how to collaborate on and discuss content areas and problems that are typically not engaging or presented in a way in which students can actually experience their connections. It is an easy read filled with deep opportunities for teachers to help students explore, just as the characters do in the story. Because the characters are comparing and contrasting situations throughout the entire story, students will be engaged. It will also give teachers multiple entry points into the discussion. This book is a fascinating way to introduce STEM into your classroom.

Vol. 21, No. 2, September 2015, MATHEMATICS TEACHING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL - Cassondra Zielinski

"I like that the book brings to life a historical figure that kids may not know much about. The premise of the story is an interesting one. My favorite thing is the accompanying teacher's guide. This is an incredible resource with so many suggested activities for each chapter. There are activities that include many curriculum areas and that include a variety of learning styles- auditory, visual, and hands on."
"This product is a reading book that incorporates history and science in regards to Leonardo da Vinci. It has a FREE downloadable teacher's guide to further expand on the concepts and put the lessons into action. Children learn critical thinking, comprehension, analysis, creativity, discussion, reading."
"Overall, I really like the way that the Science! Naturally books introduce kids to different academic concepts. And I love the accompanying teacher's guide. The book is a good one to share with kids - especially reading it aloud and using the teacher's guide."
"I think historical fiction books are a great way to learn history and science, my son loves to read and this is a great book for him! The FREE teacher's guide is a great bonus!"

Academics' Choice

What a delightful and unique approach to a book! If your school is involved in Problem Based Learning and cross-content curriculum integration, you’re in for an enjoyable, skillfully-done surprise. Kids will love reading and interacting with this story. Congratulations to Friedlander for his skillful blending of science, math, language arts, and history. This one’s a winner!

Anne Jolly

As you can imagine, when Leonardo appears in Florence, Italy, in the year 2000, he has a lot of catching up to do!

Creative Play Retailer, March 2015 - Editor's Choice

Leonardo da Vinci is reincarnated to the 21st century where he aspires to discover an invention to benefit mankind. He is accompanied by three middle schoolers; the plot progresses quickly as they grow into adulthood. This book would be an appropriate choice for guided reading or a book club with a focus on STEM topics. Bibliography. Glossary. Index.

School Library Connection, March/April 2015 - Tess Reed

An American middle school group, touring Italy, comes upon a talented Renaissance reenactor who insists he is Leonardo da Vinci, back from the dead. His story becomes much more believable when he produces seemingly authentic gold florins from his pouch.As he encounters the tools of modern life—photographs, bicycles, zippers—detailed concepts and discoveries fuel the story. If you want to learn about the process of invention, savor history, imagine a better future, or just enjoy a good read, sit down and savor this delightful adventure!

Mary Lou Blanchette Smith

This book skillfully combines history, science, technology, engineering and math. Learning about da Vinci’s creative genius 500 years ago and watching as he struggles in the present is delightful and educational. He wonders if he would be considered as smart today, challenging students to understand context and compare medieval Italy with modern day America. Afresh and exciting way to engage kids, this book is the perfect tool to inspire learning!

Pamela Breiberg

Friedlander has devised a carefully woven, well-crafted story. Readers will surely wish they could join the American middle-schoolers who befriend a hapless and ever inquisitive Leonardo da Vinci when he inexplicably shows up in modern Italy on a mysterious search for a grand invention. Learning opportunities abound throughout this clever and imaginative journey.

Robert Prezant

Friedlander has skillfully embedded academic concepts into this inventive and entertaining story. Through Leonardo’s time travel and the middle schooler’s teamwork, this book explores all disciplines. Kids will love the interweaving of fact and fiction!

Mary Smigel

Readers are treated to an intriguing view of history, mathematics, and science as these cross-century characters meet and exchange questions and explanations that help each other span a five century-long gap in knowledge. A fascinating and well-written story!

Daniel J. Bisaccio

This book is a delight! We used it to meet our science requirements without a significant realignment of sequence or reduction of teaching time. What makes it truly special is the range of cross-curricular opportunities found in every chapter. It is a rare book that offers so much opportunity for cooperation across disciplines.

Sue Garcia

Teachers have a powerful new tool in this clever book. It beautifully blends one story across the entire curriculum. With non-stop action and fascinating content, students will be on the edge of their seats—making discoveries all along the way. Crossing the curriculum has never been so much fun!

Sonya Smith