Benjamin Franklin Extraordinary

a Problem-Based Learning Project

Beginner level project

The Problem:

On January 17, 1706, Abiah Franklin gave birth to her eighth child. Josiah and Abiah named him Benjamin. Little did they know what an extraordinary person their son would become.

Benjamin Franklin contributed to America in the fields of science, in literature, and in government. He founded many organizations we take for granted. Through his thoughts, his words and his deeds he shaped our Country. His influence continues even today.

Which of Franklin's accomplishments do you believe had the greatest long term impact?

Step 1 -	Each member of the group identifies what they know about Benjamin Franklin.
Step 2 -	Identify what you need to learn about Benjamin Franklin's accomplishments. Be specific. Make a list. Assign the group member who is to find each answer or fact. Everyone will be researching info. Learn how to research elementary | middle school & high school You do not have to be physically together to work together. - Watch Google Docs video
Step 3 -	As a group - Discuss your findings on Franklin. Decide on an accomplishment and list the reasons for its selection.
Step 4 -	Create a project/report to explain your choice and support its selection.

"If you would not be forgotten, As soon as you are dead and rotten,
Either write things worth reading, Or do things worth the writing." Benjamin Franklin

Online Resources: I have collected a set of valuable Internet sites for researching Benjamin Franklin. You may also use print resources and video based info. If you use a resource not listed here, document it in your cited works (bibliography) at the end of your report.
If a link is broken, use your online research skills to find the site/page. Copy the title of the source. Paste it in a web search engine. Search.

1. The World of Franklin - http://sln.fi.edu/franklin/

2. Benjamin Franklin - http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/

3. Benjamin Franklin a Documentary History - http://www.english.udel.edu/lemay/franklin/

4. The Glass Armonica - http://www.glassarmonica.com/armonica/index.html

5. Franklin Biography - http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/B/bfranklin/frankxx.htm

6. Franklin - An Enlightened American - http://library.thinkquest.org/22254/home.htm?tqskip1=1

7. Ben Franklin - video 1 | video 2

8. Founding Fathers - http://www.foundingfathers.info/

9. The Electric Ben Franklin - http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/index.htm

10. Franklin - the Science Years - http://www.school-for-champions.com/biographies/franklin2.htm

11. Franklin - Author http://www.learner.org/amerpass/unit04/authors-5.html

12. Franklin House http://www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org/site/sections/default.htm

13. The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary http://www.benfranklin300.com/index.php

14. Ben Frankline Scientist http://www.sciencefriday.com/kids/sfkc20060113-2.html

15. Colonial Hall - http://www.colonialhall.com/index.php

16. Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary

17. Mystery Disk History Challenge

18. Pennsylvania State Library digital resources - Benjamin Franklin

19. The World of Benjamin Franklin

"What signifies knowing the Names, if you know not the Nature of things." Ben Franklin