Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself series) [Paperback]

Carmella Van Vleet (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Build It Yourself series

Exploring everything from his groundbreaking scientific discoveries and his many useful inventions to his successful career as a writer and printer, this interactive guide reveals the life and times of one of the most famous Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Fun activities and compelling biographical information offer young readers a unique portrait of one of America’s most revered and original statesmen. Detailed step-by-step instructions for more than two dozen hands-on projects combine with fascinating facts and trivia to give kids a comprehensive look at the man who not only gave us the lightning rod, bifocals, and the post office, but was also instrumental in securing America’s independence from England. Encompassing Franklin’s life from childhood to death—and detailing his relationships with historical figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson—this handbook provides an insightful look into colonial America, while teaching kids how to create their own thermometer, letterpress, or Liberty Bell.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book goes far beyond the usual kites and invisible ink common to most books about Franklin. Instructions for making your own watermark paper, thermometers, solar ovens, and even baked apples are included. This book is an excellent source for science experiments, arts and crafts, historical exercises, and just plain fun!"  —Children's Literature

About the Author

Carmella Van Vleet is a former teacher and the author of Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself, How to Avoid School Snafus, Writing Club, and Writing Club II. She lives in Lewis Center, Ohio.

 

 

 

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Nomad Press (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977129470
• ISBN-13: 978-0977129478
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #450,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( F ) > Franklin, Benjamin

More About the Author

Carmella Van Vleet is a former teacher who now writes for kids and adults full-time. Her work has appeared in publications such as "Highlights" and "Scholastic Instructor." She is a huge fan of middle grade and young adult books and often strikes up conversations with kids about what they're reading. Carmella watches way too much television and has an embarrassing number of PEZ dispensers and a dog who thinks he's a cat. You can learn more about her books at www.carmellavanvleet.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REDISCOVER BEN!, October 9, 2007

By 

Stephanie Reed (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself series) (Paperback)

Ben Franklin's creativity and ingenuity has always amazed me. His fingerprints are all over American history. He was a statesman, an inventor, an author, and a scientist. Now we can get to know Ben and recreate some of his greatest triumphs with Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself.

The inventions are either replicas of actual Ben inventions or they represent a concept of an invention or contribution. The projects range from making a Feather Pen (five minutes) to making a Long Arm for objects out of reach (35 minutes plus drying time for glue). Projects which require adult supervision are clearly marked. Other projects include a Solar-Powered Oven and a Street Light (powered by a flashlight).

As creative and entertaining as the projects are, this is more than a classroom project book. Ben's personality shines through, whether he's powering himself across a pond with kite power at age ten, or proposing as an adult that the streets of Philadelphia be paved with bricks to ease travel and keep the city cleaner. The author includes a glossary, a timeline of Ben's life, and dozens of his Poor Richard sayings. The book is a pleasure to read, thanks to Van Vleet's lively writing and her careful research. Bonus--some Almanac-style fonts and many pictures.

So whether you want to get crafty or whether you just want to rediscover Ben Franklin, Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself is an excellent choice.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ben Franklin Rules!!!, December 7, 2007

By 

E. Ryan (S FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself series) (Paperback)

Being a teacher of gifted and high achieving students, I'm always on the look out for ways to tie Social Studies and Science together. My class loves hands-on projects, so I thought this might be a good fit for us. Boy, was I right! The projects are easy to follow, the steps and supplies are well planned, and most importantly, the kids LOVED the projects. Wave bottles were a major hit, and we'll be making Bubble Bath next.

The historic details about Ben's life were not only great additions to the descriptions of his inventions, but there were lots of quirky details about him that my kids loved (although they're going to skip the air baths!).

I'll definitely pick up more of Ms. Van Vleet's project-based books to use with my class!

4.0 out of 5 stars Middle School Science Wizard, November 24, 2009

By 

L. M. Stanley "teacher extraordinaire" (Flint, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself series) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for Hanukkah for my 12 year old grandson. He is a science lover and adores experimenting. The book incorporates English usage as well as history so it is a multi-learning experience. That's always good. I think other than for buying supplies and being on hand, these are experiments that he can do by himself.
I'll need to do another review after he works with the book.