Ben Franklin’s Kite
Huzzah! In June 1752, one of America’s Founding Fathers flew a kite during a thunderstorm—and the world was never the same. Ben Franklin impersonator Brian Mulligan retold that story—with a little kite assistance from two audience members—at the 4th annual STEM Symposium. As an inventor, Franklin was known for the lightning rod; as well as bifocals and the Franklin stove. His inventions didn’t stop there. Ever heard of a ladder chair? Franklin invented that, too. But Franklin wasn’t the only Founding Father at this year’s STEM event: The Washington Nationals’ Thomas Jefferson mascot also joined in the fun, engaging in a fun-spirited race on the school grounds.