Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to select and analyze a range of historical sources to locate information relevant to a historical inquiry.
Materials and Prep
- Computer with internet access
- Pen and paper
- Historical documents or articles (online or physical)
- Printouts of primary and secondary sources
No prior knowledge is required, just an interest in history and curiosity to explore different sources.
Activities
- Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources. Find examples online or in your history books.
- Source Analysis: Choose a historical event and analyze different sources related to it. Compare and contrast the information presented in each source.
- Historical Inquiry: Formulate a historical question and use various sources to find the answer. Practice critical thinking and evaluation skills.
Talking Points
- Understanding Sources: "Primary sources are firsthand accounts of events, while secondary sources interpret and analyze primary sources."
- Source Reliability: "Not all sources are reliable. Consider the author's bias, purpose, and context when evaluating a source."
- Analyzing Information: "Look for corroborating evidence in multiple sources to verify historical facts."
- Critical Thinking: "Ask questions about the sources you are using. What is missing? What is the author's perspective?"
- Presenting Findings: "Summarize your findings and conclusions based on the historical sources you have analyzed."