Benjamin Franklin: Inventions Module

Inventor’s Notebook

Practical ideas that changed everyday life

Benjamin Franklin didn’t invent just to impress people—he invented to solve problems. Many of his creations focused on safety, comfort, science, and convenience. Open each card to explore the story behind the invention, how it worked, and why it mattered in the 1700s (and beyond).

Invention Gallery

Franklin’s inventions show a pattern: notice a problem, test an idea, improve the design, and share it so others can benefit. Many of these inventions are still recognized today—even if modern versions look different.

Inventions Scavenger Hunt

1) Which invention helped protect buildings from lightning fires?

Franklin stove Lightning rod Bifocals

2) Which invention combined two lens strengths to help people see near and far?

Bifocals Odometer Glass armonica

3) Which invention was designed to heat rooms more efficiently while using less wood?

Flexible catheter Franklin stove Swim fins

4) Which invention created musical tones by rubbing wet fingers on glass bowls?

Odometer Glass armonica Lightning rod

5) Which tool helped Franklin measure distances while traveling?

Odometer Bifocals Stove

6) Franklin invented swim fins as a teenager mainly to:

Swim faster and more easily Keep warm in winter Measure lightning storms

7) Which invention improved street visibility at night in a practical way?

Glass armonica Franklin’s streetlight design Catheter

8) Franklin’s flexible catheter was invented to:

Help with medical drainage more comfortably Make printing faster Heat houses efficiently

9) Franklin’s “long arm” was a tool used to:

Grab books from high shelves Strike lightning from clouds Create music from glass

10) A key theme in Franklin’s inventions is that they were:

Mostly secret and patented Designed to solve real-life problems Mainly for royal entertainment