Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• How do you know what happened at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Haymarket riot, or any other historical event?

• How do you know if your friend really visited Disney World or not?

You look for evidence.

In the study of history, there are two major kinds of evidence: primary and secondary.

• How can you tell the difference?

Print the Primary vs Secondary Sources organizational grid found under Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar, and fill it out as you complete this lesson.

Print the Source Type Organizer (Downloadable Resources) as well. Use it to record important observations while you read how to Distinguish Between Primary and Secondary Sources. You will use the information you find to examine and distinguish sources on your own.

Next, think about the following questions.

• What kinds of evidence do you find around you, in your home or community?
• According to your understanding, are they primary sources or secondary sources?
• What do those pieces of evidence tell you about the past?

When you are ready, move on to the Got It? section to explore some sources about recent American history.