Benjamin Banneker, a prominent African American mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor, holds an inspiring legacy for students to uncover. Banneker contributed significantly to essential knowledge in the fields of math and science during the 18th century. Through engaging teaching strategies, educators can give life to Banneker’s incredible achievements and empower their students to excel in these disciplines.
The Life of Benjamin Banneker:
Born in 1731 in Baltimore County, Maryland, Benjamin Banneker came from an impressive lineage. His grandmother was an Englishwoman named Molly Walsh who purchased and freed his grandfather (an enslaved African) named Bannaka. Despite facing significant racial prejudice throughout his life, Banneker’s ingenuity and diligence enabled him to make several notable accomplishments.
Banneker’s Interest in Astronomy and Mathematics:
Growing up on a tobacco farm, Benjamin had many opportunities to interact with nature. He discovered his love for mathematics at an early age after observing the stars from a hilltop near his home. With no formal education, he mastered time measurement methods through self-teaching and soon crafted his wooden clock – a remarkable achievement at the time.
The Almanac:
Banneker began studying astronomy and astrophysics seriously when he was a young adult. His knowledge enabled him to predict celestial events accurately, leading him to publish six almanacs between 1792-1797 that covered Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The almanacs contained weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, tidal predictions, essays advocating anti-slavery views, and other valuable information widely sought at the time.
The Surveying of Washington D.C.:
In 1791, Benjamin Banneker was selected by Major Andrew Ellicott to be part of a team responsible for surveying land bound for the District of Columbia. Banneker’s work played an essential role in establishing a capital city for the newly formed United States.
Educational Activities to Teach About Benjamin Banneker:
1. Learning about Banneker’s life: Set up a series of educational stations for students to explore varying aspects of his life, from astronomy and almanac writing to surveying and civil rights activism.
2. Research and presentation project: Assign students to research one aspect of Banneker’s life or achievements and present their findings to classmates via posters, oral presentations, or multimedia presentations.
3. Building a wooden clock model: Have the class participate in a hands-on activity by re-creating Banneker’s famous wooden clock using readily available materials.
4. Analyzing the almanacs: Guide students through exploring one of Benjamin Banneker’s almanacs and discuss how he gathered information and made predictions that are accurate even today.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Benjamin Banneker’s life, achievements, and perseverance amid adversity will inspire them to overcome their own challenges and strive for success in STEM fields. As they learn about the legacy left behind by this trailblazer, students will become more aware of their potential to contribute positively to society through hard work, determination, and creativity.
