Leonardo da Vinci - The Art of Science

Leonardo da VinciThe Art of Science

by Luis J. Hernández

Leonardo da Vinci

Just like any modern scientist today, Leonardo da Vinci used systematic observations, logical reasoning, and experimentation to find answers that would satisfy his immense curiosity. !For more than 40 years, Leonardo da Vinci gathered his observations and ideas in his now famous “Notebooks”.

(April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519)

Without a doubt, observation was at the core of his scientific exploration. Leonardo’s approach to scientific knowledge was visual. For him, art and science were one, the “science of painting” as he referred to it.

For Leonardo, drawing was the ideal way to explore the whole range of the natural phenomena. As an artist, he understood the importance of observation, and the intimate connection between the arts and the underlying principals of science.

"All our knowledge is the offspring of our perceptions."

Leonardo da Vinci

“Principles for the Development of a Complete Mind: Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses- especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”

Leonardo da Vinci

For Leonardo the scientist, as well for Leonardo the artist, the most important tool was the eye. “The eye”, he would say, “is said to be the window of the soul, is the principal means whereby sensory awareness can most abundantly and magnificently contemplate the infinite works of nature.”

As educators, we should support our teaching with images to bring ideas, concepts and processes to life.

“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”

Leonardo da Vinci

Students that create and maintain a notebook in the style of the Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks have a powerful tool that can be used to make connections and to expand their understanding of the world around them.

Sketching, labeling, and coloring as forms of note taking have a radical impact on creative problem solving and deep information processing.

You are invited to use the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci as a tool to introduce your students to the power of visual literacy.

In this new book we learn about Leonardo’s constant exploration since the days of his childhood in the town of Vinci, and how students of any age can find inspiration in his work to create and maintain an interactive science notebook.