Using Primary Sources to Teach Dr. Tammy Seneca Region II Mini LACUE Conference February 8, 2014

Primary sources are integral to helping students achieve the CCSS. The standards require students to digest and apply information using discipline-specific skills, such as analysis, comparing sources, persuasive writing, and research. Students generate questions, take and organize notes, find, analyze, and cite sources. Additionally, learning new content vocabulary is essential, as is the ability to compare historical interpretations and form hypotheses. Note that literacy skills embedded in the CCSS include oral communication. Presentations provide vital opportunities for students to listen and speak.

Primary sources can provide the raw materials teachers need to support student achievement in the CCSS. Using photographs, maps, manuscripts, and other primary sources to engage students in learning and building critical thinking and constructing knowledge will help prepare students for success in school and beyond.

Primary Sources by State primarysourcesets/states/

materials/primarysourcesets/ Primary Source Sets A collection of primary source materials for a specific topic.

By Themed Resource themes/ Exhibitions, special presentations, lesson plans and other materials gathered from throughout the Library of Congress for selected curricular themes.

Web Guides by the Library of Congress Digital Reference Section Web Guides A collection of primary source materials for a specific topic.

The National Archives History Pin Page The March on Washington /The%2520March%2520on%2520Washington/ Women at Work 050/title/Women%2520at%2520Work/ Google Maps and Primary Docs

Create your own fun and engaging activities.

You Tube Resources Professional Development Resources Civil Rights Inside the Vaults The National Archives Channel

Life Magazine

Google Advanced Search When searching for primary sources for a particular time in history, go to Google Advanced Search and put in a time range!

viewdetails.aspx The Smithsonian

Classroom Example Lesson Idea: From Slavery to Civil Rights 1.Using Classtools.net’s Fake Tweet option, create fake tweets from throughout history Place a “timeline” on the wall and have the students read each tweet and place them in the correct order on the timeline. 3.In groups, have the students investigate a variety of primary sources and documents about the different events in the timeline. Students in groups will then select what they feel are the 5 most influential events in Civil Rights history. 4.They must justify their answers and present their findings to the entire class in the form of a presentation.

Classroom Example Lesson Idea: When Elvis Met Nixon

Classroom Example Lesson Idea: Lincoln's Pockets

Classroom Example Based on your analysis of the six documents and citing evidence to support your answer, please write a plausible explanation of what happened to Aaron between December, 1767 and January, Indicate whether you were satisfied with the evidence and list any additional questions that have been left unanswered through your investigation. Additional Primary Resources: From Historical Scene Investigations Lesson Idea: Finding Aaron

Classroom Example Lesson Idea: The Conquistadors are Coming! Students will assume the role of conquistadors and choose a civilization to conquer (Aztecs, Incas, or Mayans). They will defend their selection with an oral presentation to the class accompanied by a Prezi visual presentation. course/view.php?id=366 Login as a Guest! Under Grade 5 Tab

More from Library of Congress Lesson Plans Presentations and Activities activities/ activities/ Prints and Photographs Historic Newspapers Online Collections and Presentations Film Manuscripts

The National Archives Digital Vault The National Archives Teaching Documents Finding Primary Sources: The National Archives Educational Materials for K-12 Teachers from The Smithsonian Historical Scene Investigations Additional Resources