California State Standard 7.8 is delineated in the following manner: "Students analyze the origins, accomplishments, and diffusion of the Renaissance," in terms of the way in which the revival of classical learning and the arts affected a new interest in humanism; the importance of Florence in the early stages of the Renaissance and the growth of independent trading cities; the effects of reopening the ancient Silk Road between Europe and China, including Marco Polo's travels; the growth and effect of ways of disseminating information; and advances in literature, the arts, science, mathematics, cartography, engineering, and the understanding of human anatomy and astronomy. Dramatic changes occurred in secular and religious life in Europe during the Renaissance, a watershed period in world history. Beginning in the city-states of Italy, the Renaissance spread throughout Europe. This lesson discusses the uses and significance of the topic ("Beginning the Topic"; "Developing the Topic"; "Culminating the Topic"); extended and correlated activities; resources for the sample topic; visual and performing arts resources; and Web sites. Four appendices contain additional information. Suggested time for lesson implementation is five class periods. (BT)