As a history instructor one of my favorite yet tough things to do was introduce my trainees to main sources. Since it exposes to them a whole new world of research opportunities, its great. Theres absolutely nothing better than a student stating, “wow! Mr. Byrne, take a look at this!” At the same time discovering to check out, evaluate, and utilize main sources can be long process with some trainees. The following are some of the online activities integrating primary sources that Ive made with my trainees over the years.
1. Compare textbooks, main sources, and Wikipedia.This is a rather simple activity that Ive done over the years as an intro to the value of primary sources. In the activity I supply students with a book entry, a Wikipedia entry, and a main source file about the exact same occasion or subject. I then have them check out all three and compare the info about the occasion. The overview of concerns for students is offered in this Google Document that I developed.
2. Directed reading of primary sources through Google Documents.One of my preferred methods to use the commenting function in Google Documents is to host online conversations around a shared short article. Through making use of remarks connected to highlighted areas of a post I can direct students to important points, ask concerns, and enable them to ask clarifying concerns about the post. All the steps for this procedure are outlined in Using Google Documents to Host Online Discussions of Primary Sources.
3. Historical Scene Investigations.Historical Scene Investigation offers an enjoyable method for students to examine history through main files and images. Historic Scene Investigation presents students with historical cases to “crack.” Each of these thirteen cases present students with hints to examine in order to form a conclusion to each investigation. The clues for each investigation come in the forms of primary documents and images as well as secondary sources. HSI provides trainees with “case files” on which they record the proof they find in the files and images. At the conclusion of their examination trainees require to decide and answer concerns if the case should be closed or if more examination is necessary. (Once you have done a number of these with your students it ends up being simple to craft your own HSI activities or have them craft HSI activities for each other).
Historical Image Identification.Find some historical images in the World Digital Library, the Flickr Commons, or the Digital Public Library of America. Have your trainees pick a photo to research study to identify who or what is featured in the image.
Layer old maps on top of contemporary maps.In Google Earth your trainees can layer images of old maps on top of current maps. This is a great method for trainees to see how early cartographers saw the world.

Whats the Difference Between a Primary and a Secondary Source?

As a history teacher one of my preferred yet challenging things to do was introduce my trainees to primary sources. At the very same time learning to check out, examine, and make use of main sources can be long process with some students. The following are some of the online activities incorporating main sources that Ive done with my students over the years.
In the activity I provide students with a book entry, a Wikipedia entry, and a primary source document about the very same event or topic. (Once you have done a couple of these with your trainees it ends up being simple to craft your own HSI activities or have them craft HSI activities for each other).

This post initially appeared on FreeTech4Teachers.com. It has actually been utilized without approval if you see it elsewhere. Websites that take my (Richard Byrnes) work include CloudComputin and WayBetterSite..

If youre looking for an excellent video explanation of the differences between secondary and primary sources, the Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center provides.
this great and concise description for trainees.