Primary and Secondary Sources

ELAR-Grade-8 Inquiry & Research Primary and Secondary Sources
Students learn to differentiate between primary and secondary sources. Next they evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of source. Then they conduct a search to identify primary and secondary sources for a given topic. Finally they use the sources they found to write a short informative piece.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Primary and Secondary Sources:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students learn to differentiate between primary and secondary sources. Next they evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of source. Then they conduct a search to identify primary and secondary sources for a given topic. Finally they use the sources they found to write a short informative piece.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 3 and scene 4.

Objective

  • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources.

Duration

One class period.


How do we know what we know? Where do we get our information? How do we know what Mars looks like, or what happened to the dinosaurs, or what President Abraham Lincoln said on the Gettysburg Battlefield?

Objective

  • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources.


Abraham Lincoln giving a speech in front of a crowd at Gettysburg National Cemetery

Abraham Lincoln at the Dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery


In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg, right after many soldiers had died on the battlefield. How would you find out what Lincoln said when he addressed the survivors? How could you be sure, since there were no recording technologies at the time?


Post at least one research source that would make you confident you know what Lincoln said at Gettysburg.

Post your answer

Lead a discussion about the responses. Point out that there are many websites and other sources with the text of the Gettysburg Address, but that viewing a copy of the actual address in Lincoln’s handwriting would be the best source.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Inquiry & Research Unit.
ELAR-Grade-8 Inquiry & Research In Your Own Words
In Your Own Words
ELAR-Grade-8 Inquiry & Research Finding Reliable Information
Finding Reliable Information
ELAR-Grade-8 Inquiry & Research Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary and Secondary Sources
ELAR-Grade-8 Inquiry & Research Generating Inquiry Questions
Generating Inquiry Questions
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