Famous Inventors: Benjamin Franklin

Additional Resources

The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments is divided by scientific field, all of the activities included are either actual experiments tried by Franklin himself or inspired variations on his research. One particularly well-presented section, “Using Your Head,” stresses the importance of observation and inquiry in research. Many of the ideas in this book are bound to lure even reluctant students into action. Easily constructed musical instruments, magic tricks, weather stations, and printing presses can be assembled with minimal materials and effort. Informative black-and-white ink drawings and diagrams appear throughout.

Benjamin Franklin – PBS Home Video – DVD – VHS – “Benjamin Franklin” traces Franklin’s epic life from humble beginnings to fame as a scientist, founding father and America’s first diplomat to France. Tony Award-winner Richard Easton and a cast of distinguished actors bring Franklin’s 18th-century world vividly to life. Surprising, moving and full of Franklin’s own
wit and wisdom, “Benjamin Franklin is the exuberant portrait of a true American original.”

Benjamin Franklin : An American Life – Benjamin Franklin, writes journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson, was that rare Founding Father who would sooner wink at a passer-by than sit still for a formal portrait. What’s more, Isaacson relates in this fluent and entertaining biography, the revolutionary leader represents a political tradition that has been all but forgotten today, one that prizes pragmatism over moralism, religious tolerance over fundamentalist rigidity, and social mobility over class privilege.

BenjaminFranklin (About.com) – This site has a tremendous amount of information, perhaps the best source I found, albeit not as easy to navigate as one would like. To get more information read to the bottom and click on the link at the end of the text.

Benjamin Franklin (PBS.org) – He was one of the most extraordinary human beings the world has ever known. Born into the family of a Boston candle maker, Benjamin Franklin became the most famous American of his time. He helped found a new nation and defined the American character. Writer, inventor, diplomat, businessman, musician, scientist, humorist, civic leader, international celebrity . . . genius. Explore the life of a remarkable man.

strong>Benjamin Franklin: Glimpses of the Man (The Franklin Institute) – He became famous for being a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, a printer, a philosopher, a musician, and an economist. Today, we honor Ben Franklin as one of our Founding Fathers and as one of America’s greatest citizens.

Quotations of Benjamin Franklin (Thinkquest.org) – Benjamin Franklin’s keen mind and eloquent tongue made him a truly inspirational speaker. Many of his quotations and maxims convey important truths relevant to modern society.