FREE Ben Franklin Unit Study

Benjamin Franklin was one of those people in history who did so much that your kids can’t help but be inspired. He was curious about everything from science and electricity to writing and inventions. He was born January 17, 1706, and fun fact, that day is also Kid’s Inventor Day in is honor! That makes this the perfect time to do an easy Ben Franklin unity study.

This mini unit study is simple, low-prep, and full of ways to engage kids of different ages – from reading aloud and watching videos to inventing like Ben!

Benjamin Franklin Books for Kids: Biographies and Fun Reads

Start with a few great books that make Ben’s story come alive:

• Ben Franklin Thinks Big (I Can Read Level 2) – a simple, age-friendly biography that’s great for reading aloud or emerging readers.
• Benjamin Franklin Book for Curious Kids – perfect for older elementary learners who want more detail.
• A Ben of All Trades – follows young Ben’s adventures exploring different trades and figuring out what he was good at.

Let your kids illustrate their favorite part of the story in a notebook. This makes a great keepsake at the end of your unit.

Benjamin Franklin Videos for Kids

Add a quick video or two to bring Ben’s life into focus (especially helpful for visual learners):

• Benjamin Franklin for Kids by Homeschool Pop – This short, fun video gives your kids a lively look at Benjamin Franklin’s life, inventions, and curious mind.
• Benjamin Franklin: Inventor, Thinker, Founding Father | For Kids by Bedtime History – This kid-friendly video shows you and your kids how Franklin’s curiosity, inventions, and role as a Founding Father shaped his life.

After you watch, ask your kids what surprised them most about Franklin. Did they know he helped invent things people still use today?

Print & Go: Benjamin Franklin Coloring Pages

More Ben Franklin Printables

You can combine copywork, coloring, and journal pages to make a mini unit that’s low-prep but full of learning.

• Benjamin Franklin Copywork Worksbooks – includes sayings for handwriting practice and discussion.
• Free Invention Journal Pages – perfect for kids to brainstorm, sketch, and record their own invention ideas.

Hands-On STEAM Activities for Kid’s Inventor Day

Because January 17 is Kid’s Inventor Day, let’s spark your kids’ inner inventor! (Ben would be proud.)

Try a Static Electricity Experiment

Franklin is famous for his kite and key story – use balloons and wool to explore how static works. Kids can record observations in a notebook with this Static Electricity Experiment Worksheet & Activity.

Invent Something!

• Give your kids a simple prompt such as “What bothers you every day? How could you fix it with an invention?”
• Set out recyclables, cardboard, tape, and markers. Give them 20-30 minutes to sketch and build a prototype like a car snack holder redesign.
• Encourage older kids to write a short explanation of why their invention matters – just like engineers do!

Thinking & Discussion Prompts

These small conversations build big thinking:

• Why do you think Franklin shared his ideas freely?
• If you met Benjamin Franklin, what would you ask him?
• How did inventing help him learn more about the world?

Your kids can write answers in their notebooks or share aloud during your homeschool day.

Wrap-Up

This Benjamin Franklin + Kid’s Inventor Day mini unit gives you reading, videos, printables, and real creativity – all ready for your homeschool day. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even invent something amazing together.