Teachers.netBen Franklin
Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself introduces readers ages 9 and up to the life and times of one of America's greatest thinkers with over 25 hands-on building projects and activities.
From his groundbreaking scientific discoveries and inventions to his career as a writer, printer, and politician, Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions gives young readers a comprehensive look at the man who gave us the lightning rod, the armonica, bifocals, the post office, the first public library, Poor Richard's Almanac, and so much more. Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions provides detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project. Historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and fascinating trivia support the fun projects and teach readers about the courage, creativity, and determination of Ben Franklin and a young America coming into its own.
Children's Literature Review— Ben Franklin is one of the most famous Americans. His contributions to the worlds of government, science, publishing, and farming are still with us today. Many of his inventions are simple enough for children to try at home. Van Vleet has not only created a fun, step-by-step guide to some of his inventions, she accompanies each invention with background information about Franklin and relevant history. This book goes far beyond the usual kites and invisible ink common to most books about Franklin. Instructions for making your own watermark paper, thermometers, solar ovens, and even baked apples are included. In addition to having “Words to know” sections in each chapter, there is also a thorough glossary and timeline. This book is an excellent source for science experiments, arts and crafts, historical exercises, and just plain fun!
Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself"This imaginative book encourages kids to explore their world and learn some history while building projects relating to Ben’s many accomplishments. The projects are both instructive and fun, two things Ben would heartily approve. As Ben himself might have said, 'Huzzah!'" —John C. Van Horne, Director of The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin "You're never too young to learn about Ben Franklin, and Carmella Van Vleet gives you a great introduction. My own children grabbed the book away from me as soon as a copy arrived. I only wish my library would have had this book when I was a child." —Blaine McCormick, author, Ben Franklin: America’s Original Entrepreneur
Books
Bordessa, Kris. Great Colonial America Projects You Can Build Yourself. White River Junction, Vermont: Nomad Press, 2006.
Franklin, Ben. The Autobiography of Ben Franklin. New York, Touchstone, 2004.
Franklin, Ben (writing as Richard Saunders). Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1999.
Fleming, Candace. Ben Franklin’s Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman’s Life. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2003.
Fradin, Dennis Brindell. Who Was Ben Franklin? New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 2002.
Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Kent, Deborah. Benjamin Franklin: Extraordinary Patriot. New York: Scholastic, 1993.
Rudy, Lisa Jo, editor. A Franklin Institute of Science Museum Book. The Ben Franklin Book of Easy & Incredible Experiments. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1995.
Web sites
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
http://www.earlyamerica.com/lives/franklin/
“Benjamin Franklin”
http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibits/2a1c_bfranklin.html
“The Electric Ben Franklin,” various articles
http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/
“Ben Franklin Explore,” various articles
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/explore.html
“Benjamin Franklin’s Funeral and Grave”
http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/philadelphia/grave.htm
“Benjamin Franklin: Glimpses of the Man”
http://fi.edu/franklin/
The Franklin Institute of Science Museum, “FAQ about Ben Franklin”
http://www.fi.edu/franklin/birthday/faq.html
The Liberty Bell
http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/
Documentaries
Ben Franklin. Director, Joshua Alper. DVD. A&E Home Video, February 22, 2005.
Shawn Braley, Shawn Braley is an award-winning illustrator. He attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, Inc. He specializes in cartoon and editorial illustration. Braley is also a world traveler, musician, cat owner, and comic art collector. He lives in Southern Vermont. http://www.shawnbraley.com
Ben Franklin invented a stove that helped heat
colonial homes during cold winters. This solar oven
won’t produce enough heat to warm a house, but it
will generate enough heat to cook food!
