Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. He played a major role in the American Revolution and was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Early Life

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the fifteenth of seventeen children in his family. His formal education ended at the age of 10 when he began working for his father. He later became an apprentice to his brother, a printer, where he learned the trade that would shape his future career.

Accomplishments

Franklin made significant contributions to the fields of science and invention. He is best known for his experiments with electricity, including the famous kite experiment. He also invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Franklin was a successful author and publisher, and he founded the first public lending library in America.

Political Career

Franklin was actively involved in politics and diplomacy. He served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and was a key figure in securing French support for the American Revolution. He also played an important role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.

Legacy

Benjamin Franklin's legacy extends beyond his numerous accomplishments. He is remembered for his wit, wisdom, and aphorisms, many of which are still quoted today. His contributions to American society and culture are immeasurable, and he remains an iconic figure in history.

Study Guide Questions

When and where was Benjamin Franklin born?
What were some of Franklin's notable inventions?
What role did Franklin play in the American Revolution?
Why is Benjamin Franklin considered a Founding Father?
What is Franklin's legacy?

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Southeastern Region US

Study Guide

Southeastern Region US

Worksheet/Answer key

Southeastern Region US

Worksheet/Answer key

Southeastern Region US

Worksheet/Answer key

Southeastern Region US

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

The origins and influences of social, cultural, political, and economic systems.

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Concerts such as: location, region, place, and migration, as well as human and physical systems.

The concept of regions identifies links between people in different locations according to specific criteria (e.g., physical, economic, social, cultural, or religious).

Patterns of demographic and political change, and cultural diffusion in the past and present (e.g., changing national boundaries, migration, and settlement, and the diffusion of and changes in customs and ideas).

PROCESSES - Learners will be able to:

Ask and find answers to geographic questions related to regions, nations, and the world in the past and present.

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the foundations of the American political system? What is American political culture?

The character of American political conflict. Students should be able to describe the character of American political conflict and explain factors that usually prevent violence or that lower its intensity. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Describe political conflict in the United States both historically and at present, such as conflict about

Engaging in wars

What are the foundations of the American political system? What values and principles are basic to American constitutional democracy?

Fundamental values and principles. Students should be able to explain the meaning and importance of the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Identify fundamental values and principles as expressed in

Individual and group actions that embody fundamental values and principles, e.g., suffrage and civil rights movements

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

United States History Content Standards

Era 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)

The course and character of the Civil War and its effects on the American people.

The student understands how the resources of the Union and Confederacy affected the course of the war.

The student understands the social experience of the war on the battlefield and homefront.