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

travelling suitcase

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 contact our Education Manager, Sally Brewer on 0207 839 2013 or education@benjaminfranklinhouse.org.

cience Day

OurAnnual Benjamin Franklin House Science Day is a ‘treat’ for the schools with which we work closely. Science Day illuminates the National Curriculum through a variety of activities which demonstrate how Franklin’s work arose from a spirit of awe and curiosity about the world in which he lived, which in turn led him to ask questions, seek answers and develop solutions. Pupils discover how Ben applied his knowledge to the solution of every day problems. The content is appropriate for Key Stage 2 children with the focus on a range of learning styles to enable all children to benefit from the experience.

The 2009 Annual Science Day took place on 28 April 2009. The event was attended by The Lycee Francaise Charles De Gaulle and St. Gabriel Primary School. Over 70 students took part in fun and informative sessions highlighting what became of some of Franklin’s most important investigations. Franklin was interested in the practical application of scientific knowledge. Favourite House scientist, Dr Bryson Gore, captured the children’s attention with experiments that showed how the great man’s 18th century explorations have led to some of today’s most important technologies. Angela Malynn, an architect with international building and engineering firm Ove Arup, made the case for sustainable buildings, addressing Franklin’s interest in creating more more energy from fewer resources.

The 2009 Annual Science Day took place on 23 June 2009. The children's creative experiments responded to two questions: How do we get more energy using less resources? and How can we build ‘greener’ houses? St. Clement Danes Primary and The Lyceė Francaise Charles De Gaulle took part in the competition. All entries were of a high standard and the judges (Yvette Dearden, a sustainability expert and Marie-Claude Dupuis, a representative from The Royal Society, where Franklin was a celebrated member) had a difficult time deciding the winner. But Mala Bhuiya and Gloria Feudjo Tepie from St. Clement Danes shared first prize. Gloria designed an eco-friendly building encompassing hydro, solar, and wind power. Mala created a building from sustainable wood with recycled grey water for landscaping. Franklin would surely have been pleased with their efforts to minimise the environmental impact of daily living.

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.