Primary and Secondary Sources Common Core L6-8RH9: Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic. L6-8RH2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. L6-8RST2: Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinion L6-8RH1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources

Sources and Documents Sources are anything you use to research a topic, even if it is “just for fun.” Have you ever used Google to read about your favorite celebrity or sports team? The pictures and articles you find are sources Source are ANYTHING you use. Common examples – Books, Journal Articles, Websites, Pictures, Newspapers, Documentaries Less common (but still excellent!) examples – Artwork, Buildings, Diaries, Interviews, Clothes, Novels, Videos

Everyone Uses Sources Everything you use to understand a topic is a source (even me!) Sources are important because they help you understand the topic. Some Sources are more reliable than others. Every source has biases Most sources are Primary or Secondary

Reliability Articles in reputable New sites (NPR, International Herald Tribune, BBC, The Economist, Le Monde) Many books are reliable, but not all Normally a source written by a PhD is more creditable Articles published in Peer- reviewed Journals

Biases (Opinions) and Audience When someone has a strong opinion it makes a source less reliable Some Primary and Secondary Sources have strong Biases which make them less credible A book written for a 12 year old is written differently than a graduate level book Books with References and Bibliographies are more credible

PrimarySecondary Happened during the eventNormally happened after the event Is originalIs often mass produced May be 5,000 years old or 5 seconds old Writes about a time, place, person or event Can have strong opinion, but shows sentiment of time Can have strong opinion, but reliable sources try to incorporate alternative opinions.

Primary Sources A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings Examples of primary sources include: Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History A journal article reporting NEW research or findings Weavings and pottery - Native American history Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece

Secondary Sources A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of secondary sources include: PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias Examples of secondary sources include: A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings A history textbook A book about the effects of WWI

Which is better? Both Primary Sources or Secondary sources can be credible or biased. Primary will show you real examples from the time-pictures, building, interviews, documents, etc Secondary can give you an expert opinion, but some else is looking at facts so be careful for opinions and their conclusions!

Primary or Secondary?????

Primary: Photograph of Turkeys/ Turkeys in real life Secondary: Clip Art to Represent Turkey (mass produced) Primary: Original Art Work Secondary: Book written about Bill of Rights Primary: Bill of Rights. Original Document Book written about Bill of Rights