Lets talk Science, technology, engineering, and math! Primary Sources & STEM Lets talk Science, technology, engineering, and math!

What is a Primary Source? What is your definition?

Primary Sources “Primary sources are the raw materials of history — original documents and objects which were created at the time under study.” “Examining primary sources gives students a powerful sense of history and the complexity of the past.” “Helping students analyze primary sources can also guide them toward higher-order thinking and better critical thinking and analysis skills.” - Library of Congress Examples?

What is a Secondary Source?

Secondary Sources “…accounts or interpretations of events created by someone without firsthand experience.” -Library of Congress These contain information that has been: Interpreted Commented upon Analyzed Processed -Indiana University Libraries Examples?

Now for a game…

I’m biased towards the Sciences here. STEM I’m biased towards the Sciences here. Did you know that a google search for “STEM education” results in 41.2 million hits?

Sources in the Sciences In the Sciences, primary sources are documents that provide full description of the original research. A peer-reviewed journal article where scientists describe their research on the human immune system. A secondary source would be an article commenting or analyzing the scientists' research. A review article describing research on the human immune system. Information from: The University at Albany

The Library of Congress and Science! The most common sentiment made by those in STEM about primary sources: What primary sources exist for the sciences? Mathematics? Technology? The answer? SO MANY SOURCES! And ways to incorporate them into the classroom (especially with the new Common Core) Examples! Everyday Mysteries (loc.gov) Tpsteach.com (and other TPS programs) Library of Congress LP’s

What about T, E, and M? Technology, Engineering, & Math Lots of lesson plans can include original letters, blue prints, documents, etc. Example lesson plans can be found online… everywhere. Teaching with Primary Sources – MTSU Library of Congress Lesson Plans PBS Teachers

What does the Common Core say? Consider the following quote from a recent (posted a few days ago) article… STEM needs to be updated to STREAM - Rob Furman “Reading must be in the forefront of every educator's mind. No matter what subject you teach, you are a teacher of reading. No matter what emphasis your school or the country puts on STEM or STEAM, you, as an educator, must see the critical importance of putting the skills of reading and writing first. It is our fundamental means of communication.”