Wednesday 26 May, 1.30pm-2.45pm BST. Register here for this virtual event.

Science on Stage is a science enrichment event for upper Key Stage 2, run jointly by Benjamin Franklin House and The Royal Institution. Both our charities have a rich historical and scientific heritage and hold science events with school-age students to inspire the next generation of scientists. During this year’s online event, students will learn all about Benjamin Franklin, the science of sound and the invention of the glass armonica. They will be awe-struck by electrical demonstrations, as they find out how scientists at the Ri have contributed to our understanding of electricity.

Programme:

1.30pm-1.35pm – Welcome and Introductions

1.35pm-2.05pm – Benjamin Franklin House’s presenter Eleanor Hamblen will tell you all about famous scientist Benjamin Franklin and his invention of the glass armonica. What is sound? How do you invent a musical instrument? Eleanor will answer these questions through demonstrating Franklin’s magical instrument and showing you how to make your own music using bottles and water!

2.05pm-2.10pm – Movement Break

2.10pm-2.40pm – The Royal Institution’s presenter Dan Plane will tell us some stories from the history of electricity. How did Ri scientists, such as Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday, explore and experiment with electricity? What discoveries did they make? And do any of them still matter today? Dan will answer these questions through live demonstrations, feature surprising sources and uses of electricity from 200 years ago, some of which we still use today.

2.40-2.45pm – Questions and Farewell

Schools: We invite Year 5/6 classes to participate. Each class teacher should sign up separately, so that they receive their own joining link.

Families: We invite parents/carers to sign up on behalf of their children. Participants should be supervised and the recommended age range is 9-11.

Online Safety Protocols: The event will be held via Zoom Webinar. Only the presenters will appear on screen and be able to speak over the microphone. Participants will be able to type in the chat, but this will only be seen by the presenters and not by other attendees. All presenters are DBS checked. Please note that the event will be recorded.

All participants will also receive resources for optional follow-up activities. For more information, contact our Education Manager.

Thursday 22 April 2021, 4:30pm BST/11:30am ET. Register here.

Join our virtual history classes on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 4:30pm BST to learn about key aspects of the Georgian period, when Benjamin Franklin was living in London. Together we will uncover the past and develop historical skills!

In this class, we’ll find out how education varied for boys and girls across different social classes during the Georgian era. We’ll even have a go at some cursive handwriting 18th century-style!

Activity materials: paper, pen, cursive template

Most suitable for KS2 and KS3 (US Grades 2-8) but all ages welcome!

For more information, contact our Education Manager.

Watch the class below:

Thursday 1 April 3pm BST/ 10am ET. Register here.

Join us for this special Easter edition of our virtual history class series. During these sessions, we explore key aspects of the Georgian period, when Benjamin Franklin was living in London.

This week, we’ll learn how the Georgians celebrated Easter and even find out how to make our own Easter bonnets! 

Activity Materials: a paper plate, a paper bowl, scissors, tape, felt tip pens

Optional decorations: tissue paper, ribbons, stickers, Easter chicks, PVA glue 

Most suitable for children aged 5-11 but all ages are welcome!

By registering, participants agree to follow our Online Safety Agreement

For more information, contact our Education Manager

Tuesday 23 March, 4.30pm GMT. Register here for this 30-minute virtual class.

Franklin’s Young Inventors is our weekly science club for aspiring scientists in Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14). This week we’re delighted to welcome special guest Andrew Hanson who will show you how to make a time recording machine!

Andrew Hanson MBE is a scientist working at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) who make some of the most accurate clocks in the world. In this session you’ll create your very own time recording machine inspired partly by Franklin’s three-wheeled clock design.

To join in with the (optional though recommended) inventing bit – you will need:

• A ruler or measuring tape
• A 50cm length of string
• A rod (e.g. pencil or chopstick), to hang the string from
• A clip or peg to make easy adjustments of string on rod
• A weight (bob) e.g. holed stone or Lego
• A timer (e.g. stopwatch on phone or tablet)
• Paper and pencil to record result

Please note only adults can register on behalf of children, adult supervision is required for the practical experiment. By registering, participants agree to follow our Online Safety Agreement. For more information, contact our Education Manager.

Funding for Franklin’s Young Inventors has generously been provided by the United States Government and the DAR Walter Hines Page Chapter.

For this special half term edition of our Live History Class series, we’re delighted to welcome Gemma Smith to transport us back to Georgian times with a virtual tour of John Wesley’s House!

John Wesley was a contemporary of Ben Franklin, he lived on City Road in London in a house very much like 36 Craven Street! Join Gemma, the Learning & Community Engagement Officer from John Wesley’s House, as we go on a virtual tour of the House to see how Georgian Londoners like Ben and John lived. You’ll then use the tour as inspiration to create your own mini Georgian townhouse.

Activity materials: cereal box/ shoe box, colouring pens/ pencils, glue/ tape, scissors, paper

Most Suitable for KS2 and KS3 (US Grades 2-8) but all ages welcome!

Please note that the session will be recorded. By registering, participants agree to follow our Online Safety Agreement. For more information, contact our Education Manager

Watch the class below: