Colonial America - Benjamin Franklin

This lesson explores the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin, focusing on his contributions to science, politics, and society. Students will learn about his inventions, role in the American Revolution, and impact on the newly formed United States. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, analyzing primary sources, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on Franklin’s legacy and his influence on American history.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss Benjamin Franklin’s background and his significance in American history.
Watch a video on Franklin and write down key points.

Video Task:
Watch the video “Who Is Benjamin Franklin? | Learn about the life and accomplishments of Ben Franklin.”
Select the correct summary of the video and take notes.

Timeline Activity:
Sort timeline cards into the correct chronological order, covering key events such as Franklin’s birth, his move to Philadelphia, his electricity experiments, his role in the American Revolution, and his contributions to the U.S. Constitution.

Key Discoveries and Inventions:
Discuss Franklin’s experiments with electricity, including his famous kite experiment and the invention of the lightning rod.
Analyze his other inventions like bifocal glasses and the Franklin stove.

Public Institutions:
Explore Franklin’s founding of public institutions such as the first public library, the American Philosophical Society, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Discuss the impact of these institutions on American society.

Role in the American Revolution:
Examine Franklin’s role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and securing French support during the American Revolutionary War.
Read primary sources related to his diplomatic efforts and contributions to the war.

Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining Franklin’s impact on the American Revolution and the early United States.
Use the PEEKA planning sheet for guidance.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on Franklin’s legacy and his contributions to the formation of the United States.

Recap Quiz:
What famous experiment did Benjamin Franklin conduct to prove that lightning is a form of electrical energy?
Which publication did Franklin create that included proverbs and advice, becoming very popular in colonial America?
What role did Franklin play in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?
Which institution did Franklin help to found that later became the University of Pennsylvania?
As an ambassador, which country did Franklin secure vital support from during the American Revolutionary War?

Resources:
Video link on Benjamin Franklin
Timeline cards
Primary source documents
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet
Recap quiz questions