Social Studies 7   Mrs. Gould

Project:  Happy 300th Birthday, Benjamin Franklin!

Due:

Penalty for lateness

See also

Ben Franklin Project:  Writing the Essay

A present for Ben Franklin’s 300th birthday celebration

Some useful websites and books 

Choose one of the following:

1.  Thesis: People can accomplish more when they work together than when they work separately.  Design an award for Benjamin Franklin to honor him for his work in the area of civic improvement.  Write a 2 page paper in support of the thesis.  Explain why he deserves this award. Include research about Benjamin Franklin’s accomplishments in the area of civic improvement.  Also discuss the ways in which his accomplishments have affected our lives today. 

2.  Thesis:  People can accomplish more when they work together than when they work separately.  Make a display with pictures and original captions to illustrate Benjamin Franklin’s accomplishments as a political leader.  Write a 2 page paper in support of this thesis.  Include research about Benjamin Franklin’s accomplishments as a political leader. Also discuss the ways in which his accomplishments have affected our lives today. 

3.  Thesis:  Survival in colonial times demanded a strong work ethic.  Research the quotations of Benjamin Franklin.  Illustrate one with an original drawing or with an embroidered design on fabric.   Write a 2 page paper in support of the thesis.  Explain the quotation and its relevance to Franklin’s time and to contemporary times.

4.  Thesis: Progress allows humanity to move forward and to improve. 

Select one of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions.  Sketch it, make a model of it, or make a small poster display with pictures and original captions about his many inventions.  Write a 2 page paper in support of the thesis.   Compare Franklin’s invention to the device which completes the same task today.

5.  Thesis:  Technology has changed the way in which food is prepared.  Prepare a food which was served in the colonies during Benjamin Franklin’s lifetime.  The recipe must be approved in advance by me.  Write a 2 page paper in support of the thesis statement.  Be sure to include research about food preparation in colonial America.  Compare food preparation in colonial times to food preparation today.

6.  Make up your own thesis statement about Benjamin Franklin’s reaction to one aspect of life today (ex. computers, internet, cable television). Make a poster display with pictures and original captions.  Write a 2 page paper in which you explain Benjamin Franklin’s reaction to one aspect of life today (ex. computers, internet, cable television).  Be sure to include research about Benjamin Franklin to support your statements. 

Bibliography is required for all project choices.  You will be required to make a brief oral presentation.

Project choice due: ………………………………………………………………………..

(You may not change your topic after this date.)

Research notes due:……………………………………………………………………….

Introductory paragraph and outline of body paragraphs due:………………………...

Parent/guardian signature……………………………………………………………….

__________________________________________________________

Project assessment

1.  Deadlines (signature, submission of topic, notes and introduction and outline of body paragraphs) have been met.

        4….                 3….                 2….                 1….

2.  The project is carefully crafted/ food is carefully prepared.

        4….                 3….                 2….                 1….

 

3.  The written paper includes relevant supporting information from research.

        4….                 3….                 2….                 1….

 

4.  The project includes all parts:   Student-produced creation ( food, poster, etc.), essay, bibliography.

        4….                 3….                 2….                 1….

 

5. Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation are evident. 

        4….                 3….                 2….                 1….

 

4=Excellent                3=Good                      2=Fair             1=Poor

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