Outreach

en’s Travelling Suitcase

Ben’s Travelling suitcase is a valise full of Franklin at Craven Street-related objects with corresponding activities which the Education Manager shares with children in local schools. There are two primary offerings:

Become an Inventor, designed for ages 7 to 11 (UK Key Stage 1 and 2)

Forensics at Franklin’s, designed for over 16s

Become an Inventor

Encompassing Science, Verbal Communication, Art, Design and Technology, Creativity

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most inventive individuals of his age. His discoveries, including electricity,

changed his world and helped shape ours. Sometimes he improved on the ideas of others (like bifocals), sometimes he created something entirely new (like lightning rods).

Become an Inventor explores the process of invention - some discoveries come about accidentally; others are the result of many years of research and experimentation. And it highlights how inventions may have both positive and challenging consequences. With the help of facsimiles, the workshop delves into some of Franklin’s key inventions and allows students to become inventors for the day: they consider a problem and propose an innovation to make life easier, as Franklin did before them. Pupils draw their creations and then share their designs in a short presentation to classmates following.

Forensics at Franklin’s

Encompassing Archaeology, Medicine, Science

Forensics at Franklin’s is a science lesson connecting archaeology and medicine that is popular with both children and adults.

Benjamin Franklin House served as the anatomy school of pioneering researcher William Hewson, who married Polly, the daughter of Franklin’s landlady Margaret in 1770. Basement excavations in 1998 revealed over 1200 cut and drilled bones, apparently discarded following student dissections. The bones are now being catalogued by scientists at the University of London’s Institute of Archaeology and provide fascinating information about the history of surgery.

Participants learn the definition of and uses for archaeology and forensics while uncovering the secrets of primitive surgery. The workshop highlights the importance of scientific inquiry and science and technology in society. As archaeologists for the day, they must analyze bone fragments found at Craven Street and employ the techniques of modern forensic investigation, describing their evidence and what each piece reveals.

To book an appointment or request more information, please do not hesitate in contacting our Education Manager, Ana Doria Buchan on 0207 839 2013 or ana@benjaminfranklinhouse.org.

cience Day

Our Science Day will be a ‘treat’ for the schools we will be working closely with this academic year. It is in line with the National Curriculum through a variety of activities which will demonstrate how Franklin’s work arose from a real spirit of enquiry, awe and curiosity about the world in which he lived, which in turn led him to ask questions, seek answers and develop solutions. Pupils will also be shown how Ben applied his knowledge and understanding to practical purposes, an approach which is central to the curriculum. We have used the Key State Statements to ensure that the content of the approach is appropriate for the age and experience of the children, while consideration has been given to the range of learning styles to enable all children to benefit from the experience.

On 27 April, Benjamin Franklin House held its annual Science Day at the Royal Society featuring three inner city London schools: Streatham and Clapham School, Cayley Primary School, and Kobi Nazrul Primary School. The Royal Society, a premier UK scientific academy where Benjamin Franklin was an early member, is housed in a historic building with state of the art facilities (much like Benjamin Franklin house located nearby) which delighted the young participants. They were inspired by the original portraits of famous scientists like Isaac Newton!

More than 120 pupils took part in the fun and informative sessions which highlighted some of Franklin’s most important investigations. Franklin had a deep interest in the practical application of scientific knowledge and our special guest, scientist Dr Bryson Gore, captured the children’s attention with experiments that popped, illuminated, and crackled, showing how the great man’s 18th century explorations have led to some of today’s most important technologies. As Benjamin Franklin House Education Manager, Ana Doria Buchan notes, “Franklin liked to ask questions and in his search for potential answers, he broke new ground. This spirit of enquiry, an approach central to the UK National Curriculum, enthused both the children and their teachers alike!”

The Annual Benjamin Franklin House Science Fair, which took place this June at the Royal Society of Medicine, is our main outreach project. Through the activities comprised in this fair, children will be able to use and develop the skills associated with Scientific Enquiry, skills which are not only in line with the National Curriculum but also fundamental to enabling children to develop as autonomous, creative, problem solvers and thinkers.

Students from schools in the London boroughs of Newham, Southwark and Croydon took part in the annual Benjamin Franklin House Science Fair at the Royal Society of Medicine on 25 June.

The children grappled with a timely question – which Franklin posed in the 18th century: How can we get more energy from less fuel? Franklin’s response led him to attempt design of more fuel-efficient stoves. His, and others that came later, are known as Franklin stoves. The children applyiedtheir ingenuity in developing a 21st century response.

All participants were prize winners but the overall winner was judged by visiting scientists on the day. Curwen Primary School was our big champion this year (PHOTO).

The Benjamin Franklin House Science Fair satisfies our mission to engage young people in science through hands-on investigations and to conduct outreach from 36 Craven Street to the wider community.

Individual students’ understanding of how science works will increase due to hands on experience and projects. This will be reflected in future interest in science, higher test scores, and better informed citizens.

The Education Manager will give the teachers a variety of books and notes on energy and weather and will also help the pupils with anything they might need.