1
2
3
4
5
6
Next
After the Middle Ages, there were
events which sparked a time of
learning and discovery throughout
Western Europe. This new thinking
went against the teaching of many of
Europe’s institutions, including the
Church. This time period is known as
the Age of Reason or the
Enlightenment.
Image Source: clipart.com by subscription
How did the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution change
people’s perceptions of the world?
1
2
3
4
5
Think about how your thinking has changed from 6th to 7th
grade. Do you have a new opinion about a topic, person or
place? How did you come about this new way of thinking?
What factors caused you to change your mind? Brainstorm
these on a Padlet wall.
Prior the Age of Reason, the main institution that
influenced the daily lives of people was the Church. The
Age of Reason, including the Enlightenment and
Scientific Revolution, was a period of time in which
scientists and philosophers challenged traditional ways
of thinking and can be characterized by advancements
in physics, chemistry, medicine, and political thought.
After you have read about the Middle Ages and the Age
of Reason, test your knowledge!
Image Source: clipart.com by subscription
6
Next
1
2
3
4
5
6
You will pick one philosopher and one scientist from the
list below. You will create a trading card for each of them.
Use this graphic organizer to take notes as you research
Philosopher
Scientist
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau
Nicolaus Copernicus
Voltaire (Francois
Marie Arouet)
Galileo Galilei
John Locke
Isaac Newton
Baron de
Montesquieu
Anton van
Leeuwenhoek
Francis Bacon
William Harvey
Rene Descartes
Robert Boyle
I can do it on
my own!
Challenge Me!
Image Source: clipart.com by
subscription
Next
1
2
3
4
5
6
Now that you have learned about two people
who helped with the Age of Reason write a
letter to the King of France. Explain to the King
how the Age of Reason (the Enlightenment and
the Scientific Revolution) has changed your
perception of the world as a person living in the
1700’s. How are your thoughts different from a
person living in the Middle Ages?
Remember to use the RAFT Strategy.




Role of the Writer
Audience
Format
Topic
Scoring Tool
Image Source: Microsoft ClipArt
Next
1
2
3
4
5
6
Read through one Primary Document, and
try to identify why the King may be angry
with the writers!
Voltaire
Try an Enlightenment Quiz! Or Interactive
FlipCards.
Newton
Image Source: clipart.com by subscription





Interactive Enlightenment Map
Hoaxes: Fact or Fiction
Sir Isaac Newton- Video
In Search of Shakespeare- Video
John Locke and Thomas Hobbes
Enlightenment Philosophers- Video
 Copernicus and the Realm of Modern
Astronomy -Video
Next
1
BCPS Curriculum
KSI-B, analyze contributions of the Age of Reason to the search for knowledge and truth
Maryland State Curriculum
7.5.B.1. Analyze the growth and the development of nations in the contemporary world
R1.1.2. Uses context to determine the meaning of words.
R1.3.2. Uses understanding of textual features to guide the comprehension of texts.
R1.3-4.1. Recognizes themes, key ideas, main ideas, and supporting ideas in texts.
Common Core State Standards
Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support
conclusions drawn from the text.
Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused
questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Standards for the 21st Century Learner
1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g. textual,
visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.
2.1.3 Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to
curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations.
Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students
3.0: Use a variety of technologies for learning and collaboration.
2
3
4
5
6
Time Frame: Two 50 minute class periods
Differentiation:

Direct students to use comprehension tools included in
databases, such as: audio read-aloud, labeled reading levels,
and embedded dictionaries.

Students may be challenged with researching more Age of
Reason thinkers.

Students may create a Venn diagram comparing and
contrasting the Middle Ages to the Age of Reason.
Learning Styles: Visual, Auditory, Reflective, Global Understanding
and Analytical Understanding
Notes to the teacher:
 Gold Star=Lexile above 1000, Silver Star= Lexile below 1000
 The password for the excel quiz is “ageofreason” if you need
to change anything
 Teachers will have to create a WallWisher site for students to
brainstorm.
Last updated: July 2012
Created by Karen Yelito , Social Studies Dept Chair/ Library Media Intern
BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2012, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. The models may be used for educational, non-profit school use only.
All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Lesson module.