Synopses & Reviews
With over 25 hands-on building projects and activities, Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself introduces readers ages 9 and up to the life and times of one of Americas greatest thinkers. From his groundbreaking scientific discoveries and inventions to his career as a writer, printer, and politician, Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions gives young readers a comprehensive look at the man who gave us the lightning rod, the armonica, bifocals, the post office, the first public library, "Poor Richards Almanac," and so much more.
Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions provides detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project. Historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and fascinating trivia support the fun projects and teach readers about the courage, creativity, and determination of Ben Franklin. The text and projects in this book provide readers and teachers an interdisciplinary framework through which to understand Ben Franklin and his environment growing up in a young America. Furthermore, Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions meets Common Core State Standards for reading informational text. Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.
Review
"This book goes far beyond the usual kites and invisible ink common to most books about Franklin. Instructions for making your own watermark paper, thermometers, solar ovens, and even baked apples are included. This book is an excellent source for science experiments, arts and crafts, historical exercises, and just plain fun!" Children's Literature
Review
Children's Literature Review "Ben Franklin is one of the most famous Americans. His contributions to the worlds of government, science, publishing, and farming are still with us today. Many of his inventions are simple enough for children to try at home. Van Vleet has not only created a fun, step-by-step guide to some of his inventions, she accompanies each invention with background information about Franklin and relevant history. This book goes far beyond the usual kites and invisible ink common to most books about Franklin. Instructions for making your own watermark paper, thermometers, solar ovens, and even baked apples are included. In addition to having Words to know” sections in each chapter, there is also a thorough glossary and timeline. This book is an excellent source for science experiments, arts and crafts, historical exercises, and just plain fun! "
John C. Van Horne, Director of The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin
"This imaginative book encourages kids to explore their world and learn some history while building projects relating to Bens many accomplishments. The projects are both instructive and fun, two things Ben would heartily approve. As Ben himself might have said, 'Huzzah!'"
Blaine McCormick, author, Ben Franklin: Americas Original Entrepreneur
"You're never too young to learn about Ben Franklin, and Carmella Van Vleet gives you a great introduction. My own children grabbed the book away from me as soon as a copy arrived. I only wish my library would have had this book when I was a child."
Synopsis
Exploring everything from his groundbreaking scientific discoveries and his many useful inventions to his successful career as a writer and printer, this interactive guide reveals the life and times of one of the most famous Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Fun activities and compelling biographical information offer young readers a unique portrait of one of Americas most revered and original statesmen. Detailed step-by-step instructions for more than two dozen hands-on projects combine with fascinating facts and trivia to give kids a comprehensive look at the man who not only gave us the lightning rod, bifocals, and the post office, but was also instrumental in securing Americas independence from England. Encompassing Franklins life from childhood to deathand detailing his relationships with historical figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jeffersonthis handbook provides an insightful look into colonial America, while teaching kids how to create their own thermometer, letterpress, or Liberty Bell.
About the Author
Carmella Van Vleet: Carmella Van Vleet is a former teacher and the author of Amazing Arctic and Antarctic Projects You Can Build Yourself, Seven Wonders, Explore Ancient Greece!, Explore Ancient Egypt!, Explore Ancient Rome, How to Avoid School Snafus, Writing Club, and Writing Club II. She lives in Lewis Center, Ohio.