1. PA History Close Read
Ben Franklin

2. Do Now
Describe what profession you think Ben Franklin had based on his inventions.

3. Knowledge Rating Chart
Revolution
Efficiency
Representative
Activists

4. 1st read-Teacher Read Aloud
Identify two “Big Ideas” from the text by highlighting or underlining.

5. Discussion
Question #1
Who were the founding fathers?

6. Re-Read Franklin’s Early Life
What information in this passage tells us about Benjamin Franklin’s ambitions?

7. Re-Read Benjamin Franklin as the First American
#3 Benjamin Franklin was opposed to injustice. Which details from the text support this statement?

8. Discussion Question
Read the following sentences: “Benjamin Franklin as a part of the five-member committee in John Trumbull’s painting Declaration of Independence. Do you know who the others in the painting are? There are as many as 42 founding fathers in the painting. The person on the left of Ben Franklin is Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States.”

9. Third Read-ON OWN (Whole Text)
Highlight and describe how Ben Franklin improved lives of everyday people.

11. Performance Task “The First American”
You are a reporter for the Pennsylvania Chronicle, the first newspaper in Colonial Pennsylvania. You have been given an assignment by the editor of the newspaper to write an editorial for the paper. In your article, you will present an argument to the other colonist defending your position that Benjamin Franklin should be honored with the title of “The First American”. You need to use textual evidence from the article to support your claim. You will be graded on your article according to the rubric provided. This Project is worth 36 points.

12. “A Man Named Franklin”
Dear fellow colonists, On this day, I would like to share my personal beliefs with you concerning a very important man named Benjamin Franklin. For many years Franklin has played an important part in the lives of fellow colonist. In his early life, Franklin owned a newspaper called the Pennsylvania Gazette. He worked very hard improving living conditions for the people of Philadelphia. He worked toward improving the efficiency of street lights so that people felt safe at night. He worked to help keep the streets clean and safe. He was also responsible for starting libraries so that people could enjoy their love for books like he did. In the 1940’s, Franklin turned to science and his work with electricity and his famous kite experiment made him made

13. Famous throughout the American colonies
Famous throughout the American colonies. Franklin had a serious interest in government. In London, he was a representative of the Americans that were trying to make sure that the British continued to help the American colonies. He led a campaign for American Independence from England. Upon his return, he led a struggle against the family of William Penn over the control of the colony. He became a very popular person in 1764 when he was elected Speaker of the PA House . In 1765, he opposed the Stamp Act and continued his campaign against British injustices in America. He was selected to represent PA in the Second Continental Congress where he became a member of the “ Committee of Five” which wrote the Declaration of Independence.

14. When the United States of America was established, he became the first Postmaster General, an Ambassador to France and sixth President of PA. Giving these numerous accomplishments, I say that as of today, Ben Franklin should be given the title of “The First American” Langston Thomas Pennsylvania Chronicle