What Didn't Ben Franklin Do? ; Benjamin Franklin, Born 300 Years Ago Tuesday, Was One of America's Founding Fathers. but He Was Also a Printer, Author, Musician, and Scientist

Ellis, Steven, The Christian Science Monitor

A thunderstorm is not the best weather for flying a kite. That is, of course, unless you're Benjamin Franklin.

One summer afternoon in 1752, Franklin and his son, William, did just that. As thunderclouds developed in the distance, the two ran to an open field to fly a kite.

You see, Franklin had a theory about electricity. He thought electricity and lightning might be the same thing. But he wasn't sure. So despite the possible danger, Franklin tested his theory on that stormy day with a special kite designed to attract lightning.

After all, that's what scientists do: They imagine the unthinkable, take risks, and try new things.

Benjamin Franklin …

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Publication information: Article title: What Didn't Ben Franklin Do? ; Benjamin Franklin, Born 300 Years Ago Tuesday, Was One of America's Founding Fathers. but He Was Also a Printer, Author, Musician, and Scientist. Contributors: Ellis, Steven - Author. Newspaper title: The Christian Science Monitor. Publication date: January 17, 2006. Page number: 18. © 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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