A Creative Look at the Renaissance covers six broad topics related to the Renaissance: Art, Architecture, Literature, Science and Technology, Exploration and Trade, and Renaissance Cities. Students read and discuss the story. Answers to the discussion questions are provided. Following the story and discussion questions are tasks that include research, higher-level thinking, technology, and creativity. Each unit includes a unit test. Grades 5 and up.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1-8.1, 9-10.1, 11-12.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1, 9-10.1, 11-12.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2, 9-10.2, 11-12.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4, 9-10.4, 11-12.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7, 9-10.7, 11-12.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7, 9-10.7, 11-12.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.8, 9-10.8, 11-12.8
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.9, 9-10.9, 11-12.9
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4., 7.4, 8.4, 9-10.4, 11-12.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9-10.5, 11-12.5

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis reflection, and research.

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010