The Animated Story Of Benjamin Franklin Video On Interactive DVD

Available with both English and Spanish Language and Audio.

‰ÛÏWell done is better than well said.‰۝åÊ -- Benjamin FranklinMost people credit Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706-April 17, 1790) with the invention of the lightning rod. But did you know that he also invented bifocals, a simple odometer, and an iron furnace stove? Celebrate creativity and dedication by teaching your students about Benjamin Franklin and how he found ways to make everyday resources work better! åÊ Main Characters: Benjamin Franklin, his wife Deborah, his son William, Dr. Spencer, Justice Hill Overall Theme: Benjamin Franklin‰۪s curiosity causes him to explore the marvels of electricity.åÊ He discovers that lightning is a form of electricity and invents the lightning rod, a device to protect property when lightning strikes. Summary: Franklin has worn many hats in his lifetime.åÊ He is ‰ÛÒor has been-a diplomat, inventor, printer, postmaster and fire chief.åÊ Now he contemplates the power of electricity.åÊ He doesn‰۪t know what to do with it, but he knows it is important.åÊ The people ofåÊ Philadelphia are threatened by a series of thunderstorms.åÊ Lightning strikes from the storms set fires all over the town.åÊ Franklin‰۪s fire department, although equipped with the latest 18th Century fire-fighting equipment, isåÊ helpless against its power. During this time, Franklin continues to play with electricity.åÊ He begins to understand how electricity flows from one place to another. Another lightning bolt sets fire to yet another house.åÊ Justice Hill declares that lightning is a ‰ÛÏjudgment from God against our wicked ways.‰۝åÊ Franklin, a man of deep faith and a man of science, doesn‰۪t think so.åÊ He observes that lightning tends to strike only the tallest buildings in an area.åÊ A short time later, on a night when lightning is setting fires everywhere, Franklin has a revelation.åÊ What if lightning were electricity?åÊ Then it might be controlled. Franklin conducts his famous experiment.åÊ Flying a kite in a thunderstorm, he confines the power of a lightning bolt in a leydon jar, a type of early storage battery.åÊ Now he knows how to control electricity. With lightning rods on top of their buildings and iron cables going down to the earth, the people ofåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊåÊ Philadelphia are protected. Background: Few men in history have had as great an impact on so many areas of life as Benjamin Franklin.åÊ He lived in a time of great scientific, philosophical and cultural change ‰ÛÒ and he influenced all these areas. Unknown to most people, he made contributions to several other fields, from the postal service and public office to theåÊ Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.åÊ He is best known for his scientific discovery of the lightning rod, a discovery that not only saved the houses and businesses of the people of his time, but also led to exciting inventions and changes in American life for years to come.BONUS Resource & Activity BooksEach interactive DVD includes either a 48-page Resource & Activity Book full of skill-developing activities, word games, puzzles, coloring pages, and more! Provides hours of fun and learning for the entire family! The special ‰ÛÏCertificate of Achievement‰۝ located in the back of the book serves as an excellent award your child can display after completing the activities.Principles and Values Taught in This Video Creativity, Curiosity, Duty, Frugality, Patience, Diligence, Discipline, Humility, Wisdom, Fortitude, and Dedication.