Activity Overview
The Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution were driven by people who dared to think outside of the box and challenge what they had been taught. In order to understand how these events developed and who played an influential role, students can create mini biographies of the main thinkers of the Enlightenment, or the Philosophes. Students will detail each thinker's background, beliefs/ideas, and the long-term impact..
The chart must include the following Enlightenment thinkers:
- Voltaire
- Baron de Montesquieu
- Mary Wollstonecraft
- Jean Jacques Rousseau
- Bonesana Beccaria
- Denis Diderot
Students may also want to research additional Enlightenment thinkers and contributors to the Scientific Revolution and compare and contrast the different ways of thinking that emerged during this time.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map with mini biographies for the main Philosophes of the Enlightenment.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Select a character to represent each Philosophe.
- In each of the textables, detail their background, beliefs/ideals, and long-term impact.
- Add any other scenes or items if appropriate.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution were driven by people who dared to think outside of the box and challenge what they had been taught. In order to understand how these events developed and who played an influential role, students can create mini biographies of the main thinkers of the Enlightenment, or the Philosophes. Students will detail each thinker's background, beliefs/ideas, and the long-term impact..
The chart must include the following Enlightenment thinkers:
- Voltaire
- Baron de Montesquieu
- Mary Wollstonecraft
- Jean Jacques Rousseau
- Bonesana Beccaria
- Denis Diderot
Students may also want to research additional Enlightenment thinkers and contributors to the Scientific Revolution and compare and contrast the different ways of thinking that emerged during this time.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map with mini biographies for the main Philosophes of the Enlightenment.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Select a character to represent each Philosophe.
- In each of the textables, detail their background, beliefs/ideals, and long-term impact.
- Add any other scenes or items if appropriate.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Philosophes of the Enlightenment
Incorporate Enlightenment Thinking into a Modern Classroom Debate
Encourage students to apply Enlightenment philosophies to real-world scenarios by organizing a classroom debate. This activity will help them think critically and connect historical ideas to current issues, deepening their understanding and engagement.
Select relevant debate topics inspired by Enlightenment ideas
Choose topics such as freedom of speech, separation of powers, or women’s rights to connect directly with the beliefs of key Enlightenment thinkers. This makes the debate meaningful and tied to your lesson objectives.
Assign students to represent different Philosophes’ perspectives
Have each student or group adopt the viewpoint of a specific Philosophe (like Voltaire, Montesquieu, or Wollstonecraft). This encourages empathy and a deeper grasp of each thinker’s unique contributions.
Guide students in preparing arguments and supporting evidence
Prompt students to research their Philosophe’s beliefs and develop arguments using historical examples. Encourage them to cite specific writings or actions to strengthen their positions.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful, evidence-based discussion
Act as a moderator to ensure all voices are heard and the debate stays focused on evidence and historical context. Highlight strong arguments and model respectful disagreement to foster a positive classroom climate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philosophes of the Enlightenment
Who were the main Philosophes of the Enlightenment?
The main Philosophes of the Enlightenment included Voltaire, Baron de Montesquieu, Mary Wollstonecraft, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Bonesana Beccaria, and Denis Diderot. These thinkers challenged traditional ideas and helped shape modern views on government, rights, and society.
What is a mini biography activity for Enlightenment thinkers?
A mini biography activity for Enlightenment thinkers asks students to create brief profiles detailing each Philosophe's background, beliefs or ideals, and long-term impact. This helps students understand key figures and their contributions to the Enlightenment.
How can I compare different Enlightenment thinkers in the classroom?
You can compare Enlightenment thinkers by creating a chart or spider map that highlights each Philosophe's main ideas, background, and their influence on history. Discuss similarities and differences to deepen understanding of their impact.
What are some easy ways to teach about the Enlightenment in high school?
Easy ways to teach about the Enlightenment in high school include character maps, mini-biographies, group research projects, and comparing thinkers' ideas. Visual organizers like spider maps help make complex ideas accessible.
Why is it important for students to study the Philosophes and their ideas?
Studying the Philosophes and their ideas helps students understand the origins of modern democracy, human rights, and scientific reasoning. It encourages critical thinking and shows how new ideas can transform society.
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