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Introduction to Primary and Secondary Sources

Created By: Debbie Hohulin, Gibson City Melvin Sibley Elementary School (Gibson City, IL)
Grade Level: 4th
Content Area: Social Studies
Database Integration: Will be used in Lesson 2


**PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN UNFINISHED UNIT. FEEL FREE TO USE IT TO GENERATE IDEAS AND/OR TO BUILD UPON.**

Materials


Procedures:

* Whole Group

  1. Invite students to gather around the overhead.
  2. Build background knowledge: ask the students what kinds of things are they really interested in? (dinosaurs, ships, dancing, art, etc.). Ask if they know where to go to find more information about their favorite topics.
  3. Tell them that today we are going to talk about Primary and Secondary Sources. Sources we use to get information.
  4. As I am saying the terms, Primary and Secondary, I will write them on the large chart paper that is taped on the wall.
  5. Show examples of Secondary Sources. Discuss. List them under Secondary Sources on the large chart paper.
  6. Next, show examples of Primary Sources. Discuss. List them under Primary Sources on the large chart paper.

* Small Groups

  1. Explain to students that we will break up into five groups when I am done explaining the activity.
  2. Show them the 4x6 cards that have examples of primary and secondary sources on them. They are to look at them, discuss and decide which are primary and which are secondary. Separate into two piles. They will have 6 minutes to do it.
  3. Dismiss into groups. While they are working, I will go from group to group and assist where needed. Move the large chart paper to the carpet area.

* Wrap Up

  1. Call them back together and sit in a circle on the carpet.
  2. Have each group share about their cards and ask them to tape them to the large chart paper under the correct column.
  3. Finish by quickly reviewing from the chart the two types of sources, Primary and Secondary.

Assessment:

Observe discussions during small groups and ability to recognize primary and secondary sources with cards during wrap-up. Will be able to adjust or continue the following lessons. Also will review video camera to evaluate teaching effectiveness.