Ben and Me
Age 8-10: Concept 2 - Force and Power: Unit 1

Examine the life of Ben Franklin and the events surrounding the founding of our country through the eyes of an intelligent rodent named Amos. Appreciate early inventions and the inventive process. Design your own kite to fly. Explore the elements of historical fiction and discriminate between fact, fiction, and opinion.

This unit can be used independently but is designed to be taught in conjunction with the science and social studies unit Magnetism and Electricity.

Prerequisites

  • Able to read and comprehend chapter books at a 4th or 5th grade reading level
  • Able to write an organized paragraph
  • Usually used by children in fourth grade

Table of Contents

  • Lesson 1: Ben Franklin and the Colonies (2 Days)
  • Lesson 2: Setting the Record Straight
  • Lesson 3: Swimming
  • Lesson 4: Electricity
  • Lesson 5: Electrifying
  • Lesson 6: War
  • Lesson 7: France
  • Lesson 8: Amos's Account (2 Days)
  • Lesson 9: The Rescue
  • Lesson 10: Back Home
  • Final Project: An Interview or Party for Ben (2 Days)

Summary of Skills

Moving Beyond the Page is based on state and national standards. These standards are covered in this unit.
  • Ask questions to get information. (Language Arts)
  • Communicate with an audience through print and dramatic interpretations. (Language Arts)
  • Conduct research on a variety of topics. (Language Arts)
  • Consider the difference among genres. (Language Arts)
  • Demonstrate learning and ideas through productions and displays such as oral and written reports, murals, and dramatizations. (Language Arts)
  • Determine the point of view of a story. (Language Arts)
  • Develop drafts. (Language Arts)
  • Develop vocabulary through reading. (Language Arts)
  • Distinguish fact from opinion in various texts. (Language Arts)
  • Draw conclusions, make generalizations, and gather support by referencing the text. (Language Arts)
  • Edit for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and features of polished writing. (Language Arts)
  • Generate ideas for writing by using prewriting techniques such as drawing and listing key thoughts. (Language Arts)
  • Identify (with assistance) the purpose, audience, and appropriate form for oral or written presentation. (Language Arts)
  • Identify similarities and differences among characters. (Language Arts)
  • Identify the most effective features of writing using criteria generated by the teacher and class. (Language Arts)
  • Increase vocabulary by studying author's craft. (Language Arts)
  • Interpret and use graphic sources of information, including maps, charts, graphs, and diagrams. (Language Arts)
  • Participate in creative interpretation of text. (Language Arts)
  • Participate in rhymes and songs. (Language Arts)
  • Read and interpret a variety of texts. (Language Arts)
  • Read classic and contemporary works. (Language Arts)
  • Read from a variety of genres for pleasure and to acquire information. (Language Arts)
  • Recall text information in different ways. (Language Arts)
  • Recognize differences among genres. (Language Arts)
  • Record own ideas and knowledge of a topic in a variety of ways such as pictures and lists. (Language Arts)
  • Respond to stories and poems in ways that reflect understanding and interpretation. (Language Arts)
  • Respond to text by making inferences and drawing conclusions about characters and events. (Language Arts)
  • Retell a spoken message by summarizing. (Language Arts)
  • Revise drafts in order to achieve a sense of audience, refine word choices, and create vivid images (Language Arts)
  • Share written and oral products in a variety of ways. (Language Arts)
  • Use resources and references such as beginners' dictionaries, glossaries, available technology, and context to build word meanings and confirm word pronunciation. (Language Arts)
  • Use writing to express ideas, feelings, and experiences. (Language Arts)
  • Write in different forms for different purposes and audiences. (Language Arts)
  • Write to discover, develop, and refine ideas. (Language Arts)
  • Write to record ideas and reflections. (Language Arts)
  • Connect scientific concepts with the history of science and contributions of scientists. (Science)
  • Evaluate the impact of research and invention on scientific thought, society, and the environment. (Science)
  • Observe a simple system and describe the role of various parts. (Science)
  • Describe how individuals, events, and ideas change over time. (Social Studies)
  • Describe similarities and differences among communities in different times and places. (Social Studies)
  • Explain the need for leaders in communities and describe their roles and responsibilities. (Social Studies)
  • Use appropriate source maps to locate communities. (Social Studies)
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