Did Benjamin Franklin really fly a kite to discover electricity? Answers this question and many others with a video that discusses Franklin and his contributions to science. There isn't time to cover all of his inventions and contributions to society, so the video focuses on electricity. 

Concepts

benjamin franklin, electricity, electrons, lightning, the american revolution, glasses

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have students read Ben and Me, a short historical fiction novel written from the point of view of Franklin's pet mouse, Amos
• Perform experiments rubbing metal rods with material to see if you can make it attract or repel balloons

Classroom Considerations

• Be aware YouTube comments are open to the public and might lead pupils astray
• The video is the fifth in a 25-part series

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Provides closed captioning, which can help viewers follow along
• Engaging and entertaining from beginning to end
• Dispells common misconceptions

Cons

• None