Benjamin left Boston and his brother's shop and went to Philadelphia after his brother's jealousy over Benjamin's success led to a fistfight between the two boys. Franklin used his skill as a printer to find work in Philadelphia, and, through a series of events that could only be termed serendipity, Benjamin became a success. Benjamin married and started his own printing business. He had a long and full life as a international diplomat, scientist, printer, statesman, philosopher, musician, and economist. Franklin's experiments with electricity are well documented as are his many inventions that include the Franklin stove, catheter, and the llightningrod.
Students can discuss the biography genre and how it can be accomplished with humor and fun.
Have students choose a famous person and imagine what pet that person would have. Then, students can write a story about something that happens to that person from the pet's point of view. Encourage students to include events that they have researched to provide a feeling of realism to their writing. Jacques-Louis David was chosen for this vignette because of the influence of political events upon his work. His art was used for political means, preserving major events and prevailing attitudes at the time of the French Revolution.