Lesson Plans for Ben Franklin?

Question

Hi.

I am supposed to create a lesson plan teaching the class about Ben Franklin and such. I need a creative way to introduce the lesson to the class. Some sort of activity for the class to participate in would be excellent. Like making something or a game or something. If anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate them! Thanks!

Answer 1

How old are the kids:

For older kids (middle school):
How about some kind of game with Franklin's inventions?
You could do a word scramble and the kids would have to solve the puzzle.

For example: aisfbcol (bifocals)

It would be nice if you could get something interactive: like having the kids make their own inventions. If they don't have the materials, they can do drawings on paper. Then, explain their invention to the class. This would be a good team activity.

Do you have a college or university nearby? If so, maybe a graduate student or college prof in the science dept could come over and do demonstrations on simple inventions.

Just some ideas.

Good luck. Sounds like fun.

Answer 2

Not knowing the age of your class, I'll give you a few websites where you may find good info:

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/benfranklin/index.html
http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=44
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22ben+franklin+lesson+plans%22&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
http://www.benfranklin300.com/curriculum.htm
http://www.theramonitor.com/Bea-to-Ber/ben_franklin.php