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Ben and Me

National Science Education Standards

Grades: 4-5

Standard: The student understands that science, technology, and society are interwoven and interdependent

Benchmark: Recognizes the scientific contributions that are made by individuals of diverse backgrounds, interests, talents and motivations.

What you'll need

Ben and Me
by Robert Lawson (illustrator)
ISBN: 0316517305

What to do

Week1: Read the book Ben and Me.

Week2: Review the steps of the scientific process and discuss the characters as well as how they applied the method within the novel. Discuss what led the characters Ben and Amos in the novel to invent the Franklin stove, etc. Utilize the computer lab and the Internet to research various sites to find a biography of Ben Franklin and five inventions he created.

Week3: Begin journals. Record daily problems encountered and possible solutions. Meet daily in small groups to discuss problems and brainstorm for possible solutions and inventions. On Friday, reflect in the journals to select a problem to be addresses and possible inventions that may be created.

Week4: Begin working on individual inventions. Name the invention and met with peers.

Week5: Present invention during Invention Celebration Day at school. Specify the problem that your invention solves as part of your presentation.

So What?

As a result of the process that led you to the creation of the invention, you must now share what you did. Focus on the scientific method and how you used it to reach your conclusion and make decisions about your invention.