Throughout the 1500s, Leonardo Da Vinci made hundreds of scientific discoveries and designs based on the bioengineering of living creatures. In his manuscripts, we see flying machines based on the principles of flight pioneered by dragonflies and birds of prey. Now, in the 21st century, aeronautics is finally catching up to some of the ideas Da Vinci documented in his manuscripts.
Using cutting-edge science and specialized wind tunnels, Da Vinci’s Dream takes us through the process of how today's engineers can use bioinspiration to advance the field of flight. The documentary dives into history and even paleontology to trace the history of flight on the planet Earth and show us how these ancient pioneers can make air travel today safer, more efficient, and faster than ever before.
This documentary edges into the realm of infotainment at times, but I can see it being especially useful to junior high or high school-level physics classrooms. The interdisciplinary approach to both history and engineering is utterly fascinating, if just a bit scatterbrained in terms of narrative organization. Da Vinci’s Dream highlights how modern understandings of the secrets of natural bioengineering via evolution can drive further development of fields thought to be long-stagnant in terms of design.
While the documentary does edge into some moments of greenwashing (for example, near-future fuel savings of 5-15% will not save the planet from the greenhouse effect), the film would be a very helpful tool in showing young people how their interests and passions could shape the future. For this reason, anyone running a high school media library should consider this title most highly. For those in public or college libraries, you should consider this documentary based on the usage of similar titles in your collections. Highly Recommended.
What kind of teacher could use documentary as an educational resource for their classroom?
Da Vinci’s Dream would be highly beneficial for teachers in a range of subjects. Physics teachers in junior high and high school would find this documentary particularly useful for demonstrating real-world applications of principles like aerodynamics and bioengineering. The film’s exploration of bioinspiration, using examples from both nature and history, offers a unique way to engage students with scientific concepts. It would also be an excellent resource for engineering and technology teachers looking to inspire students with how ancient designs can influence modern innovation.
Additionally, teachers of interdisciplinary courses that combine history, science, and design could use this documentary to start discussions on the impact of historical discoveries on modern advancements. The blend of history, paleontology, and modern aeronautics makes it a versatile tool for fostering curiosity across a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
What kind of film programing series could use this title?
Da Vinci’s Dream would be a great addition to film series focused on bioinspiration, innovation, or the history of science. Its exploration of how nature-inspired designs have influenced modern technology makes it a perfect fit for a series that showcases breakthroughs in engineering and aeronautics. The documentary could also be featured in a program dedicated to the legacy of inventors, illustrating how Leonardo da Vinci’s visionary ideas continue to shape our world centuries later.
Click here to purchase Da Vinci's Dream from Green Planet Films
- DVD available in September 2024
- DVD (Universities, Colleges): $295 (Includes Public Performance Rights)
- DVD (Public Libraries, K-12): $49 (Circulation only)
- Community Screenings (DVD or MP4): $295
- Digital File (Life-of-File MP4): $495 (FTP download link will be emailed, no tax charged)
- DVD and Life-of-File MP4 Combo: $545 (Includes Public Performance Rights, MP4 FTP download link will be emailed, no tax charged)
- UPC: 680044984315