Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was born into a very large family. He learned the printing trade from an older brother and later from a print shop in Philadelphia. He was busy with inventions and writing a newspaper. He invented the lightning rod and the Franklin Stove.

His writings were full of advice, wit and tips. Once a year he published a book called Poor Richard’s Almanac. It was full of proverbs for living. Many of his witticisms had something to tell about being thrifty.

You will need:

Container for your bank. Any empty container with a removable plastic lid will do. But my students like one with a metal bottom, so when the coins drop in, it makes a great sound. I suggest a 4.4 ounce can of instant flavored coffee, a tall Pringles can, baking powder can, or small ground coffee can.

Construction paper to cover your container.

Paste or glue

Photocopy of Benjamin Franklin’s witty sayings (see page 63)

Crayons or markers

Exacto knife or utility knife

Magazine or board to cut on

Pair of scissors

1. Remove plastic lid. Wash and dry container if necessary.

2. Place plastic lid flat side down on cutting surface. Using the exacto knife or utility knife, cut a slit about 1½" long and 1/8 to 3/16" wide. This will be the slot to drop your coins through. Set lid aside.

3. Check your container for sharp edges. Run a can opener around the top to flatten any sharp edges you find.

4. Cut construction paper to fit your can. Cut exact height of can and longer than circumference.

Pringles can is 9¾" around and 9¼" tall. Cut paper 10"x9¼".

International coffee (4.4 ounce size) is 12-3/8" around by 2½". Cut paper 12¾"x2½".

Baking powder can (7 ouce) is 7-7/8" around and 3¾" tall. Cut paper 8¼"x8¾".

Note: be sure to measure your container. It may be different than my samples.

5. Decorate your container. You may cut out the wise sayings of Ben Franklin or print out your own. Place the sayings on your cover sheet to paste or glue in place. Do not write in ¼" allowance for overlap.

6. Paste or glue your decorated cover onto your container, overlapping end by ¼" to ½".

7. Put the lid on your bank and your are ready to save.

A. Make a weekly newspaper for your family. What is your headline for this week? What news would you put on page 4? Where are your want ads? Draw a few pictures or clip some from magazines. Don’t forget the captions for under your pictures.

B. Make a kite. There are dozens of types and styles. Get a book from the library.

C. Benjamin Franklin worked with electricity. But a kit or a game from Tobin’s Lab (see page 76). They carry an AC-DC game, and an electric bell kit and electric motor kit, each for under $12.