Primary v. Secondary Sources

Primary v. Secondary Sources

Open Ended

What is a source? Provide an example.

Multiple Select

What is a primary source?

• A first-hand document or artifact from the time period being studied

• An article from a college professor

• A kindergartener

• The first telephone ever invented.

Primary Sources

• ​First-hand, original records of a historical time period

• ​Produced by the people who witnessed the past event(s)

• Written documents, images, artifacts: recorded songs, clothing, tools etc.​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Select

What is a secondary source?

• A textbook

• A source created about a historical event by someone who did not witness the event.

• The original copy of the Constitution

• A prehistoric digging tool.

Secondary Sources

• ​Documents, texts, images, and objects about an event created after the time period, by someone who did not witness the event. ex) a textbook

• Creators of secondary sources may or may not reference primary sources for information

Scenarios! Let's test your knowledge...

Multiple Choice

I was watching ESPN and one of the reporters said he had heard good reviews about a new sports movie. When he talks about the movie, what is he?

• Primary Source

• Secondary Source

Multiple Choice

I found a letter to one of my friends in the locker room after school the other day. I know it’s private, but I want to read it! What is the letter?

• Primary Source

• Secondary Source

Multiple Choice

My friends and I found an old wedding dress in our attic. My father said it belonged to my grandmother. What is the dress?

• Primary Source

• Secondary Source

Multiple Select

At school we use textbooks to learn about the history of the United States. When we use textbooks, what are we using?

• Primary Source

• Secondary Source

• TCI!

Multiple Choice

My mom has CDs of my grandparents telling stories about when they were kids. We love to listen to these at family gatherings. What are we listening to?

• Primary Source

• Secondary Source

Multiple Choice

When I am doing homework for U.S. Government and I read the commentaries by Supreme Court Justices on landmark cases, what am I reading?

• Primary Source

• Secondary Source

Open Ended

In your own words, what is the difference between a primary and secondary source? Provide an example of each in your answer. Your answer should be between 4-7 sentences.

Open Ended

What are the benefits and limitations of primary sources?

Open Ended

What are the benefits and limitations of secondary sources?

Open Ended

Name one primary or secondary source you have interacted with in real life. Explain why that source is a primary or secondary source.