Lesson Plan

Franklin, Master Diplomat

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This Franklin, Master Diplomat lesson plan also includes:

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. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
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