Benjamin Banneker Author:Catherine A. Welch True or False? Bejamin Banneker used a telescope and mathematics to predict a solar eclipse. True! In 1789, Banneker calculated when the moon would pass between the earth and sun. And he did it without any formal math or science training. -As a young man, he built a clock out of wood, using just a carving knife. -He helped to survey and plot out... more » the site for the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. -He published several almanacs that helped farmers, merchants, and sailors predict the weather and know the dates of holidays and festivals. Ages 7-9« less