1. How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning
Book Summary: How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning tells a story about one of the nation’s early leaders, Benjamin Franklin. The book addresses his accomplishments and goals of making the lives of civilians safer.
Setting: This story takes place in a suburban area.
Links to Primary Sources:
Benjamin Franklin's Postal Service
First Lending Library
Benjamin Franklin's Bifocals
Benjamin Franklin's Lightning Rod
Preamble to the Constitution
Links to other sources:
Timeline for Ben Franklin's Life
Benjamin Franklin's Inventions
Author: Rosalyn Schanzer
Harper Collins Publishers, 2003
Shelby Adkins

2. What Does The Constitution of the United States Mean to You?
Activity:
Benjamin Franklin helped write the Constitution of the United States. The picture to the right is the Preamble to the Constitution. After reading, write a journal entry explaining in your own words the meaning of The Preamble.

3. What Will You Write About?
Activity:
Benjamin Franklin’s post office was the first to deliver mail straight to people’s houses. You are an employee at Benjamin Franklin’s post office. Write a letter to a friend describing what your life is like working and delivering mail to local houses in your town.

4. Which Invention Will You Choose?
Activity:
Pictured to the right are four different inventions or accomplishments made by Benjamin Franklin. Choose one of the four and write a paragraph explaining how that invention or accomplishment made the people’s lives easier or safer back then.
America’s First Lending Library
Bifocals
Glass Armonica
The Lightning Rod

5. South Carolina Standard
Standard 4-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the beginnings of America as a nation and the establishment of the new government.
Indicator 4-4.4: Compare the roles and accomplishments of early leaders in the development of the new nation, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Marshall, and James Madison.

6. Sources Timeline for Ben Franklin's Life
Benjamin Franklin's Inventions
Reviewed by: Kayla Mullis