Objective
By the end of this lesson, Shawn will be able to collect information and data from primary and secondary sources.
Materials and Prep
Materials:
- Computer or tablet
- Notebook
- Pen or pencil
- Access to the internet
Prep:
- Familiarize yourself with using search engines to find information online.
Activities
1. Online Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of questions related to a specific historical event or person. Use a search engine to find the answers from different websites. Write down the sources where you found the information.
2. Interview a Family Member: Prepare questions about a historical event or period and interview a family member about their knowledge or experiences. Take notes on their responses.
3. Compare Sources: Find information on a historical topic from a book and an online source. Compare the information and note any differences or similarities.
Talking Points
- Primary sources are first-hand accounts or original documents from the time period being studied. For example, letters, diaries, photographs, and artifacts are all primary sources. Quotation: "Primary sources are like time capsules that give us direct information from the past."
- Secondary sources are interpretations or analysis of primary sources. These can include textbooks, documentaries, and articles. Quotation: "Secondary sources help us understand and interpret the information found in primary sources."
- It's important to evaluate the credibility of sources by considering who created the information, when it was created, and why it was created. Quotation: "Just like detectives, we need to investigate our sources to make sure they are trustworthy."
- When collecting information, always make sure to write down where you found it. This is called citing your sources. Quotation: "Citing sources is like giving credit to the people who shared the information with us."