Main image via Matt Palmer/Unsplash
There is a reason why the name Leonardo da Vinci continues to be mentioned today, almost 500 years after his passing. Certainly a Jack of all trades, da Vinci was a painter—how can anyone forget Mona Lisa, sculptor, architect, military engineer, draftsman, and an inventor. And my, were his inventions ‘out there’—he saw potential that others couldn’t and wouldn’t even dare dream of.
His genius has inspired many, including Kingsgate International School, which bases its education model on the famous intellectual. But before we delve deeper on that, here’s a look at some of da Vinci’s inventions that changed the world…
#1 Self-Supporting Bridge
Image via core77.com
Designed for use by members of the army to cross water, this bridge is made of several parts that can be assembled and disassembled quickly when needed. It’s rather easy to build too, and makes for a fun and educational activity with your children as is demonstrated in this video:
#2 Flying Machine
Image via www.leonardodavinci.net
Long before men realised they could ‘fly’, da Vinci already knew. Also known as the ornithopter, he created this idea after being inspired by the flight of winged animals, more specifically, bats, kites, and birds.
#3 Air Screw
Image via Ali Express
Before there was the modern-day helicopter, there was this. Named the Helical Air Screw, da Vinci believed that with enough speed and rotation (powered by men), the screw-like device would be able to spiral upwards and fly. Here’s a fun fact: da Vinci was a fan of the screw shape, and would go on to use it in many of his designs.
#4 Self-Propelled Cart
Image via Cyber Modeler
You’re looking at the world’s first robot. Long before anyone knew what a motorized vehicle was, da Vinci had an idea for a cart that could move without being pushed. The magic lied in a series of springs that would propel it forward when the brake was released. It could move straight or turn at pre-set angles!
#5 Diving Suit
Image via Tama66/Pixabay
This may seem a far cry from the diving suit we have today, but it was an astonishing invention of its time. It was designed to enable divers to sneakily attack enemy ships from underwater. The suit was made of leather, and came with a bag-like mask that went over the head. The mask was hooked to two tubes that led up to a cork floating on the surface of the water.
#6 Parachute
Image via Amazon
Although the parachute was ‘officially’ invented in 1783, the idea for it existed a few hundred years before courtesy of da Vinci. Back then, the canopy was envisioned to be triangular, made of linen and supported by a wooden frame. Made modern experts didn’t think the idea would work, but in 2000, a daredevil created a prototype version, and da Vinci was right—it soared!
#7 City Of The Future
Image via ShuaiGuo/Pixabay
Da Vinci wasn’t afraid to think big—he went as far as inventing an entire city! Though the city never became a reality due to its grand scale, the idea of it was a masterpiece. The city featured upper and lower areas—the former for ‘gentlemen’, and the latter for tradesmen and travellers. It also came with elegant buildings, special stables for horses, and broad roads.
Like da Vinci, children too, often have big ideas, only they lack the skill to make anything out of it. As such, it’s very important to start them off on the right track, and provide them with a good educational foundation. If you’re a parent who is considering the best education for your child, think of Kingsgate International School.
Located adjacent to Technology Park Malaysia in Bukit Jalil, the school is based on an international British curriculum, and provides quality International education spearheaded by teachers who are native English speakers—hey, if you’re going to pay expensive tuition fees, you might as well get the best. Kingsgate International School is also committed to helping them become the leaders of tomorrow, much like da Vinci, by focusing on these pillars: design, solve, create, and invent.
So, go ahead and kickstart your child’s future today. Kingsgate International School is where it begins. For more information, click here.