Benjamin Franklin and the Discovery of Electricity: Separating Fact from Fiction

by Megan Cooley Peterson

Overview

In 1752, the sky in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, darkened. A thunderstorm was coming. Benjamin Franklin was ready to perform an experiment. He wanted to show the electrical nature of lightning. His experiment was a success, but he didn’t discover electricity that day. Myths about Franklin and his experiment have been told for years. Discover what’s real and what’s fiction through infographics, primary sources, and expertly leveled text.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666339567
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/01/2023
Series:	Fact vs. Fiction in U.S. History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Lexile:	770L (what's this?)
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Megan Cooley Peterson is a writer, editor, and bookworm. When she isn’t writing or reading, you can find her watching movies or planning her next Halloween party. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and daughter.
Megan Cooley Peterson is a children's book author and editor. Her book How To Build Hair-Raising Haunted Houses (Capstone Press, 2011) was selected as a Book of Note by the TriState Young Adult Review Committee. When not writing, Megan enjoys movies, books, and all things Halloween. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and daughter.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Chapter 1 Experimenting with Electricity 6

Chapter 2 Flying a Kite 16

Chapter 3 What Really Happened 20

Chapter 4 The Legacy of Franklin's Experiment 24

Glossary 30

Read More 31

Internet Sites 31

Index 32

About the Author 32

Interviews

Supports the C3 Framework, describing how people's perspectives shape how they interpret and write history;

Editorial Reviews

04/01/2023

Gr 4–6—American history is full of myths and legends. This series explores common misunderstandings as well as figures and events that may have been omitted from most narratives. For instance, many people believe that Edison invented the light bulb, unaware of other inventors in the field, or they may think that everyone who participated in the Gold Rush became wealthy. Text boxes highlight extra facts like Ben Franklin having coined the term "electrician." Sidebars offer additional details, such as Sacajawea's involvement in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Photos and other images accompany the text. Many of the titles have a final page with statements paired as "fiction" and "fact" to set the record straight. A glossary and recommendations for further reading also support readers. VERDICT A series that will spark vigorous discussion in the classroom.

School Library Journal