While many often associate Ben Franklin with his kite electricity experiments, budding historians find out he contributed much more. They discover Franklin's political savvy by examining primary sources in the informative installment of the larger Ben Across the Curriculum series. Pupils examine primary sources such as the failed Albany Plan of Union and Declaration of Independence to outline Franklin's diplomatic career from the the French and Indian War to the early Republic. 

Concepts

the american revolution, benjamin franklin, primary source analysis, primary sources

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Jigsaw learners to examine primary sources and discuss in whole class setting
• Use extension ideas to create role-play and simulation activities 

Classroom Considerations

• Some documents require students to have a solid grasp of reading
• Assumes scholars have background knowledge of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution
• Some links do not work, but the documents are easy to locate online

Pros

• Activities are simple to implement and adapt to a variety of levels of reading proficiency
• Easy-to-use extension activities give individuals an opportunity to engage in self-directed investigations
• Materials include background information for each document, making the primary sources ready to use

Cons

• Does not include all documents in the lesson plan
  

Common Core

L.9-10.1.a L.9-10.2.a L.9-10.5.a L.9-10.6 L.11-12.1.a L.11-12.2.a L.11-12.5.a L.11-12.6 RH.11-12.8