Name: _____________________________
Finding the Main Idea
Benjamin Franklin: Scientist and Inventor
While Benjamin Franklin is known as a statesman and diplomat, he was also an accomplished inventor and scientist. Franklin was mainly a printer by profession, but he also investigated natural phenomena, such as ocean currents and lightning. His marine research led to his publication of a map of the Gulf Stream currents. Franklin developed theories about electricity, made famous by his experiment with a kite and a key during a lightning storm. As a result of his work with electricity, Franklin invented the lightning rod, which protected buildings from lightning strikes. Always curious and imaginative, Franklin also invented the bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove, an odometer for carriages and a musical instrument called a glass armonica. He investigated evaporation as a cooling technique and designed nautical enhancements, including watertight compartments.
From Franklins paper Water-spouts and Whirlwinds
Write the main idea of the paragraph in the center circle below. Write the supporting ideas in the outside circles.
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Name: _____________________________
Finding the Main Idea
Benjamin Franklin: Scientist and Inventor
While Benjamin Franklin is known as a statesman and diplomat, he was also an accomplished inventor and scientist. Franklin was mainly a printer by profession, but he also investigated natural phenomena, such as ocean currents and lightning. His marine research led to his publication of a map of the Gulf Stream currents. Franklin developed theories about electricity, made famous by his experiment with a kite and a key during a lightning storm. As a result of his work with electricity, Franklin invented the lightning rod, which protected buildings from lightning strikes. Always curious and imaginative, Franklin also invented the bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove, an odometer for carriages and a musical instrument called a glass armonica. He investigated evaporation as a cooling technique and designed nautical enhancements, including watertight compartments.
From Franklins paper Water-spouts and Whirlwinds
Write the main idea of the paragraph in the center circle below. Write the supporting ideas in the outside circles. Actual wording and supporting ideas will vary. Example of correct answers:
He published a map on Gulf Stream currents. He studied electricity.
He invented the lightning rod.
Benjamin Franklin was an inventor and scientist.
He invented the bifocals.
He researched evaporation.
Copyright 2012 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in classrooms.
www.k12reader.com
