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Getting to Know Benjamin Franklin – Who was Benjamin Franklin? – A famous American who did many great things – His importance in history – Helped America become a country – Franklin: Inventor and Writer – Invented the lightning rod, bifocals; wrote Poor Richard’s Almanack – Franklin: Statesman – Helped write the Declaration of Independence | This slide introduces Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in American history, to third-grade students. Begin by discussing who Franklin was, highlighting that he was a man of many talents and made significant contributions to society. Emphasize his role in history as one of the Founding Fathers who helped the United States become its own country. Explore his various roles, including his inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals, and his writing, such as Poor Richard’s Almanack. Also, mention his political contributions, including his part in writing the Declaration of Independence. Use this slide to spark students’ interest in learning about historical figures and their impact on our world.

Benjamin Franklin’s Early Life – Born in Boston, 1706 – His family and childhood – Youngest son in a family of 17 children – Passion for reading – Books were his best friends growing up – Early writing ventures – Started writing articles at a young age | Introduce Benjamin Franklin by mentioning his birthplace and year to give students a historical context. Discuss his large family to help students understand his early environment. Emphasize his love for reading, which was uncommon during his time due to the rarity and expense of books. This passion for reading helped him gain knowledge and inspired his interest in writing. Share that Franklin began writing under a pseudonym as a teenager, which shows his early initiative and talent. Encourage students to think about what they enjoy doing and how it could relate to their future, just as Franklin’s love for reading and writing played a significant role in his later achievements.

Benjamin Franklin: The Inventor – Invented the lightning rod – Protects buildings from lightning – Created bifocals for vision – Helps people see near and far – Designed the Franklin stove – Warms homes more safely – His inventions in modern life – We use versions of his inventions today | Benjamin Franklin was not just a founding father of the United States, but also a prolific inventor. His inventions, such as the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, were designed to solve common problems of his time. The lightning rod is used to protect buildings from the destructive force of lightning. Bifocals are glasses that help people see things up close and at a distance. The Franklin stove was a more efficient way to heat homes. These inventions have been improved upon over time, but their core designs are still in use today. For the activity, encourage students to think like Franklin and come up with an invention that solves a problem they face. They can draw their invention and explain how it works. This will help them understand the impact of Franklin’s work and inspire them to be problem solvers.

Benjamin Franklin: The Writer – Franklin’s printing legacy – Owned a print shop and published works – ‘Poor Richard’s Almanack’ creation – An almanac with weather forecasts, proverbs – Famous Franklin quotes – ‘A penny saved is a penny earned.’ – Impact of Franklin’s writings – His writings influenced American culture | Benjamin Franklin was not only a founding father but also a prolific writer, printer, and publisher. He owned a print shop and published numerous works, including his well-known ‘Poor Richard’s Almanack,’ which contained weather predictions, humor, and insightful proverbs. Franklin’s famous quotes, such as ‘A penny saved is a penny earned,’ reflect his wit and wisdom. His writings have had a lasting impact on American culture and literature. Encourage students to think about how Franklin’s work might have influenced the world they live in today.

Benjamin Franklin: The Statesman – Franklin in the American Revolution – Helped America fight for freedom – Drafting the Declaration of Independence – He was one of the five who wrote it – Franklin’s diplomacy in France – He gained French support for America – Impact on America’s freedom | This slide aims to introduce students to Benjamin Franklin’s significant role as a statesman during the American Revolution. Discuss Franklin’s contributions to the fight for American independence, emphasizing his leadership and strategic thinking. Explain his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, making it clear that he was instrumental in articulating the colonies’ desire for freedom. Highlight his successful diplomatic efforts in France, securing crucial support that helped America win the war. The impact of Franklin’s work on America’s freedom cannot be overstated, and students should understand how his actions helped shape the nation.

Franklin’s Enduring Legacy – Founded University of Pennsylvania – A top university today, emphasizing education’s value – Started first public library – Promoted knowledge for all, not just the wealthy – Franklin’s impact on society – His ideas and inventions still influence us | Benjamin Franklin’s legacy is vast and multifaceted, impacting education, public services, and the very fabric of American society. He founded the University of Pennsylvania, which remains a prestigious institution, highlighting his commitment to education for all. Franklin also established the first public library, making books and knowledge accessible to people of all backgrounds, not just the elite. His impact on modern American society is evident in the democratic values, sense of community, and innovative spirit that he championed. Encourage students to discuss how these contributions have shaped the world they live in today.

Class Activity: Be Like Ben! – Discuss a community problem – Think about issues in our neighborhood – Create a ‘Franklin Invention’ poster – Work together and draw a solution on poster – Present your invention – Explain your idea to classmates – Reflect on Benjamin Franklin’s impact – How did Franklin’s inventions help society? | This activity encourages students to emulate Benjamin Franklin’s innovative spirit by identifying current community issues and brainstorming creative solutions. Divide the class into small groups and let them discuss problems they see around them, such as littering or helping the elderly. Each group will then create a poster depicting an invention that could solve their identified problem, inspired by Franklin’s own inventions. Afterward, groups will present their ideas to the class, fostering public speaking and teamwork skills. Conclude with a reflection on how Franklin’s inventions, like bifocals or the lightning rod, made a lasting positive impact on society. Provide guidance and ensure each student participates in the discussion and creation of the poster.