Trailblazer: Ben Franklin and STEM

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Wednesday, April 6 at 5pm ET | 2pm PT, PBS Books is pleased to host a conversation with children’s author Alicia Klepeis, author of The Science And Technology of Ben Franklin.

Not only did Ben Franklin create the first circulating library, he was a printer, diplomat, scientist, and inventor. Benjamin Franklin was a very curious person.

In The Science and Technology of Ben Franklin (readers ages 9 through 12), the author explores the life of one of Colonial America’s most fascinating citizens. During this program, viewers will learn more about the author and her book about Ben Franklin.  Alicia Klepeis’s book offers hands-on STEM activities, essential questions, text-to-world connections, and links to online resources.  The book is hands-on and interactive—so expect an interactive program!  Through hands-on STEM activities, essential questions, text-to-world connections, and links to online resources, kids zoom in for a closer look into Ben Franklin’s world. The author will answer audience questions at the end of the conversation.

On April 4 at 8pm ET, Ken Burns’s four-hour documentary, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, will air on PBS stations across the country.  It explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States. “Write things worth reading,” he said in Poor Richard’s Almanack, “or do things worth the writing.” Benjamin Franklin did both. This program is offered in partnership with WETA and the PBS network.  #BenFranklinPBS

 

About the Author

From circus science to global ice cream flavors, Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers. Alicia began her career at the National Geographic Society. She is the author of more than 150 children’s books, including Gutsy Girls Go For Science: AstronautsPolar Bears & Penguins: A Pretty Cool Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic; The Science And Technology Of Ben Franklin; and The World’s Strangest Foods. A former middle school teacher, Alicia loves doing school visits and is currently working on several projects involving world cultures, unusual animals, and invasive species. She lives with her family in upstate New York.

For more information visit here website here: https://www.aliciaklepeis.com/index.html

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