You all know the story of Ben Franklin, a world famous guy. He discovered electricity, remember? Well, read on and find out more about this famous man.

Ben Franklin was a printer, (and good at it, too) but had many other talents as well. He was also a scientist, a philosopher, an educator, a diplomat, and an inventor. He is known for his brilliant discovery, electricity, using his one and only kite and a key in a thunderstorm . He is one of America's most creative men. Here is the story of his life, shortened-version. But just before I get to that, I want to remind you that he isn't just famous for discovering electricity. Did you know that he organized the first library in America? He helped draft both the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution? Amazing! What a cool guy! Anyway...

Mr. Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. He was the youngest of the family. At the age of 10, he started to work at his father's shop, a soap-and-candle making company. He spent a lot of his spare time reading. He also was a great swimmer. Did you know that one of his first inventions were paddles to make him swim faster?

At the age of 12, he went to work at his half- brothers print shop as an apprentice. He soon became an expert printer, but wasn't pleased with it. He hardly made any money, but had to stay on the job for 9 years. Then he wrote some letters, and sent them to his newspaper company. The letters were printed. But in the newspaper, he didn't sign his real name but instead wrote, "Mrs. Silence Dogood".  Everybody enjoyed this, but the "newspaper people" disapproved. Then Ben's half-brother, James, canceled the contract that said Ben had to work for 9 years. Later, when James found out that it was Ben who had wrote the letters, he started to get really mad and beat him. Ben decided to take advantage of the canceled contract, and left.

When Ben was 22, he married Deborah Read, and had 3 children. Soon after he became Maryland's official printer.

Now to the experiment everyone knows Ben Franklin for. The one and only lightning experiment. Here's the scoop. 

Ben took a kite down to a muddy field in a thunderstorm. He flew the kite REALLY high, and brought electricity down the kite's damp string. The loose pieces of thread, Ben noticed, were standing up.

Then he put his knuckle to a key at the end of the string and saw a spark. He proved that lightning is electricity. Many colleges gave him awards. And that is one of the MANY reasons Ben Franklin is so famous.