A Deep and Complex Look at a
Renowned Polymath
Ben Franklin’s
Inventions
Adapted by Mrs. Bland from The History Project – University of California - Davis
Key Questions – These questions
should drive your pursuit of
knowledge of Ben Franklin
• What are some of the inventions
attributed to Benjamin Franklin?
• Which of his inventions has made the
biggest impact in our world today?
Your Task…
1. After reviewing a summary of Franklin’s life and
achievements, you will research Ben Franklin’s
accomplishments that relate to your study of invention.
2. You will analyze his work and evaluate its impact on
American life by completing a scoring rubric for each
invention.
3. You will create a survey for 10 adults to complete
ranking his inventions.
4. Finally you will create a written/visual presentation on
what you believe to be Ben Franklin’s greatest invention.
Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
• Define polymath
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymath
Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician,
freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and
diplomat.
• Read the following article and then use headphones to view the video
(6:53). Make notes on Ben Franklin’s contributions in the above
mentioned fields. Write and answer three questions of your own to
further explore about Ben Franklin.
http://www.ducksters.com/biography/ben_franklin.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e19JDtIE0cA
•
Which one of
Benjamin
Franklin’s
scientific
inventions is
most
important in
today’s world?
Make a list of Benjamin Franklin’s
inventions and evaluate them with a
score of 1 to 5 using each of the
categories listed below.
(1 - the lowest and 5 - the highest)
• The invention changed how people
lived.
• The invention made other things
possible.
• The invention was copied by other
people beyond the colonies.
• The invention was unusual or unique.
• The invention is still in use today.
http://historyproject.ucdavis
Ben’s Inventions
• http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_l
ittle.html
• http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/
famous-inventors/10-ben-franklininventions.htm
• https://www.fi.edu/history-resources/franklin
Write a brief explanation of
each invention before
conducting your evaluation.
Example:
The Odometer
As postmaster, Franklin was
concerned with providing fast
and efficient service. He wanted
to measure the distance between
certain points so that he might
establish more efficient postal
routes. For this purpose, he
devised an odometer that
attached to his carriage. By
counting the rotations of the
wheels, it calculated the distance
the carriage traveled.
What was Ben Franklin’s motive for creating
the odometer?
What impact did it have on the automobile
industry?
Text copied from: historyproject.ucdavis.
Create a Rubric for Each Invention
• Odometer
• Changed how people live ______
• Made other things possible ______
• Copied by other groups ______
• Unusual or unique ______
• Still used today ______
• Total ______
Task #2
Wit and
Wisdom
Poor Richard's Almanac is one of the many
lasting contributions of Ben Franklin. It gained
great popularity due to Franklin’s aphorisms,
or short, witty statements about life. Many of
these are still quoted today.
• Research his aphorisms and choose one to
create a poster illustrating its meaning.
• http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_franklin.html