Introduction
Welcome young historians! Today you will explore the world of Ben and Me, a story narrated by a mouse named Amos, and his adventures with Benjamin Franklin. Although Amos is a fictional character, many of the historical events in the novel are relevant and true. Your mission will be to determine which parts of the novel are true history, and which are a part of Amos imagination.
At the end of this WebQuest you will be more knowledgeable about the inventions and life of Benjamin Franklin, be able to determine a character’s perspective, compare events from the story to real historical events, and explore themes of creativity, innovation, courage, and collaboration.
Are you ready to become a history detective and uncover the truth?
Task
Working together, students will explore how events from Ben and Me relate to real historical events.
By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:
1. Compare historical facts and fiction throughout the novel.
2. Connect themes from the novel to NCSS Social Studies Themes and SS Literacy Standards.
3. Create a final project to demonstrate what they learned.
The final project must include:
-Evidence from the novel
-Include at least two Social Study Standard and one NCSS connection.
- Accurate historical details.
Process
Step 1:
Click on the links below to explore the websites:
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Benjamin Franklin Biography for Kids. https://www.ducksters.com/biography/ben_franklin.php
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Benjamin Franklin’s Inventions https://www.ducksters.com/history/colonial_america/benjamin_franklins_inventions.php
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Facts About Colonial America https://www.ducksters.com/history/colonial_america.php
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Write down five facts that you learned about Benjamin Franklin.
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List three inventions that Benjamin franklin invented
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Explain how life today is different from life in colonial America.
Step 2: Fact Vs. Fiction
-Students will create a T-chart based on the reading of “Ben and Me” novel.
Step 3: Vocabulary Explorer
• Select 5 vocabulary words from the novel “Ben and Me”. For each word write the definition and use it in a sentence.
•Collaboration
•Curiosity
•Bifocals
•Inventor
•Humor
•Resourcefulness
•Experiment
•Imagination
•Creativity
•Publish
Step 3: Creative Product Development
- Select your final product format
- Use evidence from the text including historical facts, vocabulary to create your project.
Step 4: Presentation & Reflection
- Present you project to the class
- Reflect In writing by discussing:
1. How did Benjamin Franklin's inventions influence society today?
2. What are some important things we can learn from Bejamin Franklin's life and Amos?
Evaluation
Final Project Rubric
| Category | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Good | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Accuracy | All facts are correct, clear, and well-researched. | Most facts are accurate with minor mistakes. | Some facts are inaccurate or unclear. | Many facts are missing or incorrect. |
| Fact vs. Fiction T-Chart | T-chart clearly separates fact and fiction with 7+ accurate entries. | T-chart separates fact and fiction with 5–6 accurate entries. | T-chart has 3–4 entries with some confusion. | T-chart is incomplete, unclear, or missing. |
| Vocabulary | Includes 3 or more vocabulary words with clear definitions or explanations. | Includes 3 vocabulary words but needs clearer explanations. | Includes 1–2 vocabulary words or unclear definitions. | Vocabulary is missing or incorrect. |
| Themes / Connections | Shows a strong understanding of themes with thoughtful connections to the novel. | Shows understanding of themes with some connections. | Themes are mentioned but connections are weak or unclear. | Themes or connections are missing. |
| Final Project Creativity | Project is highly creative, neat, and detailed. Shows exceptional effort. | Project is neat, organized, and shows good effort. | Project shows some effort but lacks creativity or neatness. | Project is incomplete, rushed, or lacks effort. |
Conclusion
Congratulations historians!
As this WebQuest have come to an end, you have discovered:
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How Ben and Me connects to historical facts with imaginative storytelling.
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Important facts about Benjamin Franklin.
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How the inventions of Bejamin Franklin have shaped America's society today.
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How historical fiction helps us better understand real events.
Credits
Resources:
"Ben and Me" by Robert Lawson
Websites:
https://www.ducksters.com/biography/ben.franklin.php
https://www.ducksters.com/history/colonial_america/benjamin_franklins_inventions.php
https://www.ducksters.com/history/colonial_america.php
Teacher Page
Educator Page:
This WebQuest includes reading, researching, writing, and presenting as you connect historical events with imaginative elements from the novel.
Alignment to the NCSS 10 Themes of Social Studies:
-Culture: Shows daily life, beliefs, customs, and professions in colonial America.
-Time, Change, and Continuity: Students investigate Benjamin Franklin’s historical impacts and the evolution of technology over time.
-People, Places, and Environments: Includes real locations, and addresses colonial urban life.
-Individual Development and Identity: The personalities of both Amos and Franklin demonstrate how identity impacts behavior.
-Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: The role of Franklin in early American institutions.
-Power, Authority, and Governance: Connects to Benjamin Franklin’s leadership, civic roles, and colonial government.
-Production, Distribution, and Consumption: Reveals colonial trades such as printing, inventing, publishing, and exchange.
-Science, Technology, and Society: The innovations of Benjamin Franklin (stove, bifocals, lightning rod) connect to everyday life.
-Global connections: Bejamin Franklin’s interactions illustrate the connection between America and Europe.
-Civic Ideas and Practices: Key themes include civic duty, public service, inquiry, and problem-solving.
ELA (B.E.S.T. Standards) & Social Studies Standards:
SS.3.A.1.2: Students use technology to gather information from other sources to get information about Benjamin Franklin
SS.3.A.1.1: Students analyze information from the sources to research facts about Benjamin Franklin.
ELA (B.E.S.T. Standards)
ELA. RL. 3.1: Amos narration influences close reading to distinguish what occurs from what he claims.
ELA. RL. 3.2: Amos’s narrative highlights creativity, innovation, and responsibility.
ELA. RI. 3.3: Students evaluate and differentiate fictional events with actual historical events that are associated with Benjamin Franklin.
ELA. RI. 3.7: Students will examine illustrations that focus on colonial life and inventions.
ELA. RL. 3.3: Students analyze the relationship between Amos and Franklin and their problem solving.
ELA. RL. 3.6: Amos's point to exaggerate or misunderstand events makes this