Ben Franklin's Favorite Bird
Explore the famous (and often misunderstood) story of Benjamin Franklin's thoughts on the turkey as America's national bird. We'll read his own words, compare them to the real wild turkey, and critically think about what makes a good national symbol.
The lesson goal is learners will understand how to analyze historical writings to discover past viewpoints and distinguish between popular myths and scientific facts about animals. They will also be able to form and support their own opinions about what qualities make an effective national symbol.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
A Famous Question5 Min
- Ask the hook question: 'Did Ben Franklin really want the turkey to be America's national bird?'
- Move on when Student engages with the question and shares initial thoughts or prior knowledge.
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels - 2
Explore Franklin's Words8 Min
- Read the Ben Franklin excerpt: 'For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the Representative of our Country; he is a bird of bad moral Character... For the Truth the Turkey is in comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.'
- Discuss what Franklin's words reveal. Ask: 'What words did Franklin use to describe the turkey?' and 'Does he sound like he *wants* it to be the national bird, or just likes it better than the eagle?'
- Move on when Student listens to the excerpt and identifies at least one descriptive word or phrase Franklin uses for the turkey.
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels - 3
Fact vs. Folklore6 Min
- Explain 'fact' and 'folklore'. Ask: 'Can you think of a story you've heard that might be folklore, and something you know is a fact?'
- Confirm the history: 'Even though Ben Franklin praised the turkey, he never formally proposed it to Congress as the national bird. That's the fact!'
- Move on when Student understands the difference between fact and folklore and can give an example of each (even if it's not related to the turkey).
Photo by Leeloo The First on Pexels - 4
Meet the Real Turkey9 Min
- Find the worksheet (or draw a turkey). Ask: 'What do you think these funny parts on a turkey are called?'
- Label the parts: snood (fleshy appendage above beak), wattle (red fleshy growths on neck), beard (tuft of coarse feathers on chest), tail fan (large, fanned tail feathers).
- Fill the 'Turkey vs. Me' chart. Explain: 'Wild turkeys can run up to 25 mph, fly short distances at 55 mph, and see in color!'
- Move on when Student has completed labeling and the 'Turkey vs. Me' chart, and has a better understanding of wild turkey abilities.
Photo by Michael Burrows on Pexels - 5
Our National Symbol2 Min
- Ask: 'What qualities are important for a national symbol?' and 'What animal would *you* choose as a national symbol, and why?'
- Move on when Student shares their opinion on important qualities for a national symbol and chooses a national animal with a reason.
Photo by Mohan Nannapaneni on Pexels
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