BEN & ME

Introduction

·   You and a partner will be traveling back in time with Amos, your friendly mouse!  Amos will introduce you to Benjamin Franklin of a very close friend of his.  Of course if it was not Amos we would not have some of the great things that we have today as you will learn. Along the way you will also meet some of Ben's friends and you will have some tasks to accomplish along the way! 

Task

Select at least 1 of the Following Activities:

Design a set of informative trading cards based on a series of events that occurred during Ben Franklin's life-time.  (A set should consist of at least 5 cards)  On the back of your card - write several important facts.  You may use the computer to design your cards.

  With a partner create and construct a wind catcher or wind sock to hang in the classroom.  Share a series of facts and figures on the topic that you have researched.

  Find a series of pictures relating to events - happening during Ben's Life-time.  You may use the Internet and/or you may obtain pictures from an electronic encyclopedia.  You may also scan pictures from books.   Once you have at least 4 pictures -- you are to develop a Magazine.  Be sure to give a Name to your magazine and for each picture you are to write a descriptive story.

 Design a set of related place mats based on a theme or topic from Ben's Lifetime.  The place mats may be drawn on poster-board or heavy construction paper and laminated for durability.  Each place mat should feature a collection of important facts, definitions, and graphics/photos in a given content area.  Write a caption for each photo.  The place mats should also include puzzles and/or word searches on your topic.

 With a partner create a questionnaire concerning the 7th graders positions and sentiments about the War for Independence.  Interpret and publish your results using a graph designed from a spread sheet program. 

Process

·   We watched the video entitled Ben and Me by-- The Good Mouse, Amos. Keep in mind that Mr. Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents and interests but Amos allowed Ben to think that he was responsible for many inventions.  In actuality, it was Amos who had the natural curiosity about things and the way t hey work.  Also Amos was the one who collaborated with Mr. Jefferson on writing the Declaration of Independence although he did not know it at the time.  Speaking of writing Amos also created Poor Richard's Almanac, but once again, it was Ben who accepted all the credit.

·   As you can see, he really was an amazing historical figure of the 18th Century.  He certainly was a man who wore many hats, so to speak.  Working in pairs develop a Bio-poem about Mr. Franklin using this site, information from your book, and encyclopedias

·   Using the information from your notes and the video develop the front page of a Newspaper.  Include an article on Ben Franklin.  You must also select at least two other historical figures/events in addition to my friend, Ben.

·   Read several accounts of the deaths of some famous early historical figures and then write an obituary about my dear and beloved friend, Mr. Benjamin Franklin.

Evaluation

·   Turn in your finished project at the end of class.

·   Do Conclusion for homework.

·   Rubric designed by teacher.

Conclusion

Now Select and design a Final Project of your own based upon an event in Ben Franklin's life.
Be Creative and Imaginative!

You may use a selection from the task section that you have not completed if you cannot think of a project yourself.  If You decide to you can do your project with a partner,