All American Benjamin Franklin

 

A new PBS series features one of our most famous American founding fathers: Benjamin Franklin. Explore these online activities to inspire your inner “Benny” self.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this bedtime story about Ben Franklin at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJhBtd8QA_4
• Watch the many things that Ben Franklin invented at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9hFfC0lz0
• Ben Franklin was one of the five men who the wrote the document that declared the independence of the United States; watch how and why it was created at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIO-7dFz2JU

 

CREATE:

• Ben Franklin’s first job was using a printing press. You can try your own hand a printmaking with these activities: https://tinkerlab.com/printmaking-for-kids/
• Ben Franklin did many science experiments, especially related to electricity: conduct your own electricity experiment following these directions: https://hiphomeschoolmoms.com/ben-franklin-easy-electricity-science-experiment/ and https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/event/virtual-class-ben-franklins-lightning-rod/
• Try some more Ben-inspired activities: https://www.daniellesplace.com/html/benjamincrafts.html

 

CARE:

• How do you become a better person? Ben Franklin knew that self-improvement was a hard job. Try Ben’s strategy for yourself by following this activity: https://edsitement.neh.gov/student-activities/benjamin-franklins-virtues
• Ben Franklin was known for clever sayings to advise people; read several of his most famous ones: https://www.fi.edu/benjamin-franklin/famous-quotes.  Which one do you like best? Try creating your own special advice saying.
• When Ben Franklin was doing electricity experiments, he sometimes got a shock. Watch these safety tips when dealing with electricity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCvScgI1MCs

 

CAREERS:

Want a career like Ben Franklin? You have a lot to choose from: printer, writer, businessman,  postmaster, scientist, inventor, diplomat, politician, culture promoter. Read this biography to discover his career(s) path: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin/Achievements-and-inventions

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