Today's Classroom Activities :

All About Ben

Ben Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. Divide the class into teams. Each group will select a different career focus to research and present information about this famous statesman, scientist, inventor, economist, and printer.

Benjamin Franklin is always a high-interest personality. Try The Life of Benjamin Franklin: An American Original by Yona Zeldis McDonough (Henry Holt, 2006, ISBN: 0-805-07856-8) and Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta (Henry Holt, 2006, ISBN: 0-805-07917-3).

Learn about proverbs (and hear Benjamin Franklin say them) at the Franklin Institute website at sln.fi.edu. Discover what each proverb means and help students with their own guesses. See if they know the meaning of, "If the shoe fits, wear it."

Franklin on the Move
Geography A traveling exhibition about Benjamin Franklin will be touring 40 libraries in 31 states from late 2008 through July 2011. Have students research the tour locations by going to The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary. What things will be traveling with the exhibition? Are any of the cities near your school? Could a field trip be planned?

Ben Franklin Timeline
Using this lesson, students will understand the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds who have influenced the history of the United States and the characteristics of leadership.

Ben Franklin
The lesson plans and activities in this guide encourage middle school and high school students to use their own curiosity to explore Franklin's world and achievements. Based on Franklin's many accomplishments in various fields, these lessons allow students to extend their understanding of the connections between Franklin's 18th century and our modern world.

Benjamin Franklin—A Man of Many Talents
Students research and identify the many talents of Benjamin Franklin, as well as his role in the formation of an independent United States.