Primary and Secondary Sources Grade 8 Social Studies

Objective: to identify primary and secondary sources. Essential Question: Why are Primary and Secondary Sources important to study history? Objective: to identify primary and secondary sources.

Why are Primary Sources Important? “Primary sources provide a window into the past—unfiltered access to the record of artistic, social, scientific and political thought and achievement during the specific period under study, produced by people who lived during that period.” Source: US LIbrary of Congress

Primary Sources •Primary sources are the original sources of information recorded at the time an event occurred. –First-hand accounts of events –Data collected for scientific studies –Historical documents

Secondary Sources Source of information prepared by an individual who is not a direct witness to an event They are indirect sources of information They are one-step removed from a direct primary source For example????

You Decide? Primary or Secondary Source A biography about John Adams The Constitution of the United States A textbook entry about Lewis and Clark A classmate giving a report on WWII A letter from a WWII Soldier An eyewitness account of 9/11 in NYC Provide support for your choices!

Evaluating Sources Identify the author of the source Determine when and where the source originated Analyze the kind of information the source provides (for example, facts opinions, only one side of the issue, etc.)

Evaluating Sources continued Find other sources that support or disprove the first source Compare sources to see if they agree Determine whether a source is credible or able to be trusted Consider the author’s purpose, personal beliefs and attitudes

What did you learn? What is a Primary Source? Give an example What is a secondary source? How can we evaluate a source? Provide 3-4 ways