Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia

By Margaret Cousins

A Fifth Grade Study of Ben Franklin

IntroductionDelve into the life of Benjamin Franklin, one of our more interesting founding fathers.

Think about how the events of his life shaped Ben as a leader.

Learn about Ben’s role in helping to create the United States of America.

Resources and Materials

• Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia by Margaret Cousins

• KWL sheet or Inspiration computer program

• TimeLiner computer program or materials to create a time line

• Literature Circle log.

Before ReadingOn your own-

•Complete the K or What I Know column of your KWL.

•Be prepared to share your information with your classmates.

•Complete the W or What I Want to Learn column.

KWhat I Know

WWhat I Want to Learn

LWhat I Learned

Name _____________

During ReadingWith your group-

•Read each day’s assignment. Be prepared to discuss using the literature circle format.

•Add information to the What I Learned column. Use specific dates when possible.

Name _________________

Literature Circle Discussion Log

Title: _______________________________________________________

For Discussion Date: __________________________________________

Reading Assignment - Page Numbers: ___________________________

A part that I would like to share with my group and the reason I want to share it: (Write the first and last word and the page number.)

One question that I have about the reading or one topic from the reading I’d like to discuss:

Wonder Words: Write three words from your reading that you wonder about and want to discuss with your group. Give your reason: I – interesting, DK – don’t know (include page and paragraph numbers).

After ReadingWith a partner or on

your own-Use the information from your KWL to create a timeline of Ben Franklin’s life using the TimeLiner program or paper and pencil.

Use the following web sites to add information to your timeline:

PBS’s Ben Franklin

US Government's Ben FranklinThe Electric Ben Franklin

Beyond the ReadingOn your own-

Look for connections between Franklin’s early life and his actions later in life. Choose two and write about how the events from Ben’s early life (before he became famous) influenced his actions later as an inventor, statesman, or citizen.

Poor Richard’s AlmanacBen was well-known for his witty

sayings in his publications. Choose one from the following web site. Quotes by Ben Franklin

Type or print neatly the saying on the top of a page and at the bottom of the page type or print a short explanation of the saying.

Draw using colored pencils an illustration for the saying.

Ben Franklin Project Rubric Place a star in the box that indicates

your achievement level.Name: 4 3 2 1Connection

A clear connection is shown between the events with numerous thoughtful details to support it.

A logical connection is shown between the events and details are given to support it.

A logical connection is shown between the events but few details are given to support it.

Connection between the events is vague. And few details are given to support it.

Time Line Numerous events accurately recorded from all aspects of Ben’s life. Extra effort is shown in the details.

Events from all aspects of Ben’s life are accurately and neatly recorded.

Events from most aspects of Ben’s life are recorded accurately.

Events from Ben’s life are recorded, but there are some inaccuracies.

Quotes Quote, illustration, and explanation show thoughtfulness and are neatly done.

Quote, illustration, and explanation show some thought and are neatly done.

Quote, illustration, and explanation show some thought but lack neatness.

Quote, illustration, and explanation show little thought.

Conventions

Few errors that are not noticeable unless you are looking for them

Few errors in spelling and grammar that do not affect the meaning.

Errors in spelling and grammar interfere with understanding

Shows no signs of editing. Contains many errors that affect meaning.

Resource Page

• http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/• http://bensguide.gpo.gov/

benfranklin/index.html• http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/

index.htm• http://www.quotationspage.com/

quotes/Benjamin_Franklin/

“An investment in knowledge always pays

the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin