Benjamin Franklin Facts, UGH!

Benjamin Franklin facts do not have to be boring. Of course you could focus most of your attention on Benjamin Franklin inventions or his siblings. Or you could engage your students in learning all about Benjamin Franklin facts in a way that will have them begging for more.

Benjamin Franklin Biography

Benjamin was born in 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. Growing up he had 16 brothers and sisters. At the age of ten, he had to leave school to help his dad in his candle making shop. Eventually, he would leave that shop and begin working as an apprentice for a printing shop. After being an apprentice he would then start his own printing shop and publish his own journals.

Later in life he would find electricity by flying a kite with a key attached during a thunderstorm. He would also become one of the famous signatures on the Declaration of Independence. In 1790, Benjamin Franklin would pass away at the age of 84.

His Great Experiments

Some people may describe him as a genius. Probably more people thought he was crazy. Looking back at all the great contributors to fantastic inventions or experiments, they all had what seemed like “crazy” ideas.

I mean you can’t get much crazier than flying a kite in a thunderstorm with a metal key attached to create electricity. However, if he never tried we would probably still be using candles to light our way.

A fantastic way to celebrate him in the classroom is to complete some experiments that relate to him. You could do an experiment with electricity. It doesn’t have to involve batteries and lights, nothing fancy. It could just be static electricity where you separate pepper from salt.

You could also create a smaller version of a glass armonica. The kids would love experimenting with changing the pitch by adding or subtracting water.

Benjamin Franklin Timeline

Every time an important historical figure or event is introduced, it is always beneficial to have some sort of timeline to accompany it.

Here are some important dates you may want to include on a timeline about Benjamin Franklin.

• 1706 – He was born in Boston, Massachusetts
• 1716 – Left school to help his father
• 1752 – Finds electricity through his kite experiment
• 1776 – Signed the Declaration of Independence
• 1790 – Died at the age of 84

Are you looking for other famous historical figures? Then look no further than Johnny Appleseed. Read my post about how I liven up my Johnny Appleseed activities for my students here.