Benjamin Franklin was an American inventor and statesman born in 1706 who never received formal schooling beyond childhood but was a lifelong learner. He signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and had careers in publishing and printing. Some of Franklin's notable inventions included bifocals, the lightning rod, the odometer, the Franklin stove, swim fins, and the glass armonica musical instrument. He died in 1790.

1. Benjamin Franklin Scrapbook

4. Bifocals Ben invented the bifocals. They are glasses that have a ring that makes an object look closer.

5. Lightning Rod The lightning rod is a metal rod that keeps lightning from hitting a house.

7. The Franklin Stove The Franklin stove is a stove that was designed to heat houses .

8. Swim Fins The swim fin was invented to help swimmers swim faster .

9. Glass Armonica The glass armonica is a musical instrument.