Today’s Walking Classroom focuses on the famous inventor, scientist, astronomer, and writer, Benjamin Banneker. Banneker was curious about the ways things worked and was very inventive. The kids discuss the challenges that he faced as a black man in the 1700s, but because of his perseverance, he made many contributions to science and literature. Through experimentation and observation, he collected enough data to publish six almanacs. He also helped plan the city of Washington D.C.!
Character Value: Curiosity
Click for Standards Alignment
Common Core
L–Language | SL–Speaking and Listening | RI–Reading: Informational | RL–Reading: Literature | W–Writing | RH–6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies | RST–6-8 Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects Elementary School:RI.3.1, RI.3.2, SL.3.1, SL.3.4
RI.4.1, RI.4.2, SL.4.1, SL.4.4
RI.5.1, RI.5.2, SL.5.1, SL.5.4
Middle School:
RI.6.1, RI.6.2, SL.6.1, SL.6.4
RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.3, SL.7.1, SL.7.4
RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.3, SL.8.1, SL.8.4
RST.6-8.4
Next Generation Science Standards
PS–Physical Science | LS–Life Science | ESS–Earth and Space Science | ETS–Engineering, Technology and the Application of Science Elementary School: 5-ESS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-3Middle School: MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4
Supplemental Resource Links and Downloads
Quiz: (Make sure you're already logged into your Gmail account, then click to copy this Google form to your Google Drive. Quiz keys are here.)
Benjamin Banneker Google Quiz
Slide Deck:
Benjamin Banneker Slide Deck
Describes and demonstrates how locks work.
Relates a brief history of Benjamin Banneker.
Learn more about Benjamin Banneker by exploring where he lived.
Test knowledge of Benjamin Banneker with this online quiz from Ducksters Education Site.
Demonstrate knowledge of Benjamin Banneker by finding the hidden words.
See More Podcasts in Subject Area: Science
See More Themed Groupings that Contain this Podcast: Biographies, Famous African Americans, Figures from Science, Historical Figures, Innovators: Artists, Inventors & More, Physical Science