Benjamin Franklin

Students will use different resources to learn and explore the way Benjamin Franklin impacted history the life they live today.

Duration

Multiple days

Lesson Type

Project Based Lesson

Lesson Created By: Raney Stogner

Prepare
Lesson
Resources
Standards
Assessments

Grade(s):

Subject(s):

Social Studies

Recommended Technology:

laptop and smartboard for video

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

Books mentioned in resources, items for inventions (toothpicks, popsicle sticks, tape, strink, paper, cloth, glue)

Lesson Progression

Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) - One of the leading figures of early American history. was a statesman, author, publisher, scientist, inventor and diplomat.

Start by playing youtube video that tells the life of Benjamin Franklin. (lesson resources)

Books/Resources to help introduce Benjamin Franklin:
Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
by Gene Barretta

Time for Kids: Benjamin Franklin

Ben & Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin and His Good Mouse Amos
by Robert Lawson

Who Was Ben Franklin? by Dennis Brindell Fradin

**Reading some of the books to the children to introduce Benjamin Franklin to them can be very beneficial**

Give students time to read Time fo Kids: Benjamin Franklin to further explore his inventions/creations.

Hand students Invention Worksheet.
Explain to students that all inventions seem unrealistic at the time. Encourage them to think of things around the school that they would improve if they had the opportunity. Ask the students to think of anything they could invent that would improve the community, environment, etc., around the school.

The students will complete worksheet, filling in the blanks and drawing their invention first.
On another day (or same day if convenient) have students use the materials provided in Materials section of lesson plan to create their invention. Students will have a day or so to create this invention.

Afterwards, it is a good idea to have the students present their inventions to the class. Student must be able to describe what they made, and why they chose this invention for their school.

End lesson by explaining to class how Benjamin Franklin and his inventions impacted the world we live in today.

Worksheet

View Resource

Ben Franklin Video

View Resource

Standards

1-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of American democracy and the role of citizens in upholding those principles.
- The principles of American democracy are reflected in the rights, responsibilities, and actions of citizens both in the past and in the present. To participate effectively in civic life by acting responsibly with the interest of the larger community i...
  - 1-3.3 Summarize the contributions to democracy that have been made by historic and political figures in the United States, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Dorothea Dix, Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Assessments

Students will be graded on worksheet, invention, and presentation.