Joy of Discovery

Benjamin Franklin was dedicated to finding things out a process central to learning. Our education activities are imaginative and stimulating, enabling children to directly investigate history, science and invention.

Student Science Centre

Demonstration Room
Franklin was a practical scientist. Through hands-on experiments and video, students explore how his scientific enquiries led to amazing inventions. From electricity and lightning rods to canals and hydrodynamics and Franklins musical instrument, the glass armonica, children are inspired to test and learn.

Medical History Room

Activities revolve around the pioneering work of William Hewson, son-in-law of Franklins landlady, who ran an anatomy school from the House between 1772 and 1774. Students gain insight into how the human body works, and see some of the remnants from the school during their visit. The Medical History Room exposes young minds to scientific enquiry and life processes.

A visit to Benjamin Franklin House supports the National Curriculums science, English, history, and design and technology learning outcomes. Although particularly relevant for Key Stage 2, the House can support all Key Stages, offering students programmes for wide-ranging educational enrichment. We aim to encourage pupils to observe, think, and draw their own conclusions, while providing new perspectives on Londons past.

Discovery Room
Students have fun playing interactive games which encourage them to think about the form and function of objects related to Benjamin Franklin House. Items like a washboard, a cow bone, and an ink well are set in both a historical and scientific context.

Historical Experience
As part of their visit, children uncover the secrets of 18th century London life through a Grade I listed building. The historic rooms become a stage for live performance which removes the traditional distance between museum and child.

School Visits to
Location
Benjamin Franklin House is located at 36 Craven Street, London, WC2N 5NF, minutes from Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross and Embankment stations.

Benjamin Franklin House

Children experience the excitement of Franklins London years in the company of Polly Hewson, daughter of Franklins landlady, who became like one of his own children. They explore Franklins efforts to improve public health; his many inventions including bifocal glasses; and his important diplomatic work during a momentous period in British and American history.

To book your visit, contact the Education Manager on +44 (0)20 7839 2013 or email: education@benjaminfranklinhouse.org www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org
The Friends of Benjamin Franklin House (UK), registered charity no. 276066 Registered in England, company no. 01362091

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOL GROUPS EVERY TUESDAY

Supporting the National Curriculum in Science, English, History, and Design and Technology