Renaissance Video Research Project

Working in groups of 4, you will prepare a video where each of you are ‘experts’ on your assigned
topic. In your video, use expert explanations AND scenes from the event themselves taking place, with
narration and explanation when necessary. A variety of props such as costumes, backgrounds, and physical
examples are required. Each student in the group is expected to be active throughout the entire film, and
students are allowed/encouraged to participate in multiple roles where appropriate. The video should have a
script prepared, be rehearsed beforehand, and be at least 5 minutes in length. After the first two steps each
group will have a check-in with the teacher to ensure they are on task and using their time appropriately. You
must pass these check-ins to move on to the next step of the project. The first check up will be to review your
research, use the Research Template to organize your information. The second check up will be to review your
script and video plan.

Your group will be assigned one of the following research topics:

Gutenberg Revolution - Extra! Extra! Read all about Johannes Gutenberg’s movable-type printing and how it
quickened the spread of knowledge, discoveries, and literacy in Renaissance Europe, but don’t put up too much
of a ‘Fust’ or you may lose everything.

Art, Literature, and Architecture - Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Cowabunga! Explore
how these (and more) influential artists created some of the world's most beautiful works of art under the
guidance of their sensei rat.

Protestant Reformation - ’I got 95 theses, but the Pope ain’t one.’ What do you get when you mix 95 theses
posted on a church door and a printing press? About 800 million followers across 35000+ denominations. Join
Martin Luther and read for yourself about Catholicism and Protestantism.

Scientific Method - Was Galileo just a poor boy from a poor family? What is really at the center of the
universe? The sun? The Earth? Mr. McTighe’s ego? Did an apple falling on Newton’s head really keep us
‘down to Earth?’ Find the answer to these questions and so much more.

The Age of Exploration - “In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue…” Put on your doublet and pull up your
stockings as you join Mangellan, Vespucci, de Gama and more as they search to answer the age old question…
Is the Earth flat?
Use the following Research Template to organize your information:

Research Information Template

When did it occur:

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Who was involved and what did they contribute to your topic?
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Where did your topic take place?

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Why is your topic important and/or revelutionary?

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What aspect(s) of worldview is your topic related to?

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In what ways did your topic influence the worldview at the time?
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How does your topic relate to modern day?
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What are some fun facts about your topic?

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Describe your topic:

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