OUR GOAL: Complete a research project by choosing an important person in American history and answering the following question: Who is this person and what is his or her impact on American history?

Question

Assignment Requirements:

Identify credible sources for your research and create a Works Cited in MLA format
Works Cited Page
Identify three keys pieces of information that help answer your research question
Develop a presentation to share your research (*Students will only be required to upload a presentation, not make an oral presentation to their teacher)
Tools: Google Slides; Prezi; Canva; Piktochart; Powerpoint
Example presentation: William Bradford Presentation
Grading Rubric

Answer 1

Research Project: Benjamin Franklin

Research Question:

Who is Benjamin Franklin and what is his impact on American history?

Key Pieces of Information:

1. Founding Father and Diplomat: Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He played a vital role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Franklin served as a diplomat in France, securing crucial support for the colonies during the American Revolution, which helped ensure American independence.

2. Innovator and Scientist: Franklin was a renowned inventor and scientist. His experiments with electricity, including the famous kite experiment, led to significant advancements in electrical science. He invented the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove, contributing to everyday life and industrial advancements in America.

3. The Print and Enlightenment Thinker: As a successful printer and publisher, Franklin's printing business allowed him to disseminate information widely. His newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, and his writing, including "Poor Richard's Almanack," helped shape public opinion and promote Enlightenment ideals of reason, liberty, and civic duty in America.

Works Cited in MLA Format:

• Franklin, Benjamin. "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin." Project Gutenberg, 2003, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14805.
• Wood, Gordon S. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life." Penguin Books, 2005.
• Brands, H.W. "The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin." Doubleday, 2000.
• Carr, Caleb. "Benjamin Franklin: A Biography." Random House, 2005.

Presentation Outline:

You can create your presentation on Google Slides or any other preferred platform. Below is a suggested structure for your presentation:

1. Title Slide

   • Title: Benjamin Franklin: His Life and Impact on American History
   • Your Name
   • Date

2. Introduction

   • Brief overview of who Benjamin Franklin was.

3. Founding Father and Diplomat

   • Key contributions to American independence.
   • Role in the drafting of important documents.

4. Innovator and Scientist

   • Overview of his scientific contributions and inventions.
   • Importance of his work in everyday life and science.

5. Print and Enlightenment Thinker

   • Influence through publishing and writing.
   • Promotion of Enlightenment ideals in America.

6. Conclusion

   • Summary of Franklin’s impact on American history.

7. Works Cited Slide

   • Include all sources cited in the MLA format.

Creating the Presentation

• Use visuals such as images of Franklin, the documents he helped create, examples of his inventions, and historical maps.
• Engage your audience with quotes from Franklin's writing.
• Keep slides concise with bullet points and aim for a mix of text and visuals for clarity and engagement.

Final Steps

Before submitting, ensure that the presentation meets any specific guidelines from your assignment, such as slide count or design preferences. Good luck with your research project on Benjamin Franklin!