Benjamin Franklin
Author: Kristy Rhodes, Elizabeth Meadors, and Stuart Conlin
Endorsed by: Dr. Kwabena Dei Ofori-Attah at Cumberland College
Grade Level: 4th
Overview:
Benjamin Franklin was an important historical figure. Benjamin Franklin discovered that
lightening was electricity. Therefore, Benjamin Franklin had a part in aiding the advance
in technology that we have today.
Purpose:
The purpose of this activity is to help students understand that Benjamin Franklin
discovered electricity and to make the connection between the discovery of electricity
with the advance of technology.
Objectives: Students should be able to:
- 1. Understand that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity.
- 2. Understand how Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity.
- 3. Have a hands-on experience of how Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity.
- 4. Make the connection that without the discovery of electricity we wouldn't have the
technology that we have today.
Resources/materials:
Large picture of Benjamin Franklin, two books - Zak and Ben and Benjamin
Franklin Scientist - Diplomat, several kites, and keys made out of cardboard.
Activities and Procedures:
- 1. After displaying a large picture of Benjamin Franklin discovering electricity, lead
the class in a discussion of what is going on in the picture.
- 2. The teacher reads a section on how Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity from Benjamin
Franklin Scientist - Diplomat.
- 3. The class goes outside and in pairs the students fly a kite with a key tied to the
string like Benjamin Franklin did.
- 4. After returning from outside, Zaz and Ben is read to the class. Then the class
discusses the things that we have today that we wouldn't have if Benjamin Franklin hadn't
discovered electricity.
Tying It All Together:
- 1. On the board, make a list with the class of the things that we have today because
Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity.
- 2. Have the students write a paragraph of how their lives would be different without
electricity.
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