Benjamin Franklin
Lesson plans and teaching ideas

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Links to an e-text of the autobiography. Scroll down on this page to find a timeline of his life and links to related sites.

Ben and Verse
This site rewrites Franklin's aphorisms as up-to-date verse, with different proverbs appearing each month. In addition to being entertaining, it has many possible classroom applications. Click on "The Complete B&V" for the archives.

Ben Franklin Coloring Pages
Printable black-line drawings: several Franklin faces, a kite, bifocals, more.

Benjamin Franklin
This page includes 8 lesson plans that could be used with or without the PBS special program.

Benjamin Franklin
On this page, a brief biography. Follow links to activities, discussion questions, and archived support graphics.

Benjamin Franklin
Bibliography, major themes, omissions, timetable of The Autobiography, discussion questions.

Benjamin Franklin
Suggestions for helping students see Franklin as a writer of literary merit.

Benjamin Franklin: A Documentary History
A very extensive biography by J. A. Leo Lemay.

Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World
Vocabulary, discussion questions, related sites to accompany the A&E video. The video can be purchased or taped; scroll down for scheduled air dates.

Benjamin Franklin: In His Own Words
This exhibit from the Library of Congress includes a brief biography, documents, letters, books, broadsides, and cartoons.

Ben Franklin Timeline
Standards-based lesson focusing on Franklin and aspects of leadership. Includes activities, vocabulary words, and related links for additional information. This lesson plan is designed for elementary students.

Benjamin Franklin's Almanac Wisdom
In this activity students consider the meanings of some of Franklin's aphorisms. It is designed for elementary students. This document requires Adobe Reader or compatible software for access.

Ben Franklin's Autobiography
After reading Ben Franklin's autobiography and discussing his list of virtues to achieve perfection, students develop their own list of virtues for the 21st century and try to follow them for a week.

Ben Franklin's Philosophy Clock
To help students interpret aphorisms, students make a paper clock with a quote about using time wisely. Designed for grades 3-5.

The Electric Franklin
A variety of links, including quotes, a timeline, pictures, and the complete text of The Autobiography.

Making Friends with Franklin
Lesson 1 addresses writing; lesson 2, science; lesson 3, art and critical thinking. These standards-based lessons are designed for grades 3-8.

Masters of Chiasmus: Benjamin Franklin
A collection of chiasmus found in Franklin's writing.

Proverbs: At Home and around the World
Students work with proverbs from home and from around the world, exploring how these maxims are tied to a culture's values and everyday experience. While doing so, they will learn about proverbs: how they work, how to interpret them, and how they can be culturally and personally significant.

Rediscovering America: The Real Ben Franklin
Vocabulary, discussion questions, related sites, designed for grades 6-8. Video available from the Discovery Channel.

Scavenger Hunt: Happy Birthday Ben!
In honor of Franklin's birthday (Jan. 17), students conduct a scavenger hunt to answer questions about his life. This activity is designed for elementary students.

The World of Benjamin Franklin
This easy-to-read biography includes a timeline, a family tree, electricity safety tips, and links to activities.