The Mystery of History - Original Sources

Scholars learn about September 11th, the day the World Trade Center was attacked, with the help of primary sources. As pupils listen to a first-hand account from survivor, Tom Canavan, they pinpoint character traits that make him a hero...

Learn about the California Gold Rush from an institution that has been in place since the early days of the American West: Wells Fargo History Museum. From domain-specific vocabulary review to group research projects, an expansive packet...

Fourth graders watch video clips and view a website to work out a definition of "primary source." They determine how primary sources can be used in research.

Fifth graders use primary sources to explore events witnessed by ordinary people.  In this primary documents instructional activity, 5th graders  answer critical thinking questions based on their documents.  Students recognize the...

Students research the events surrounding the Alamo in 1863, and explore the differences between primary and secondary sources of information. They brainstorm lists of items used to research a subject and categorize them as primary or...

Students explore the usage of primary sources, what they are and how they originate. Artifacts are compared and contrasted as part of this historical inquiry as questions are formulated and conclusions drawn.

Primary and secondary sources give young historians an inside look at the battle of Gettysburg. Participants read brief excerpts and analyze images in order to complete graphic organizers designed to navigate them through the thoughts...

Fifth graders participate in a mystery lesson that requires them to gather clues and identify the Nile River delta. In this geographical features lesson, 5th graders examine images and maps of the Nile as they work to figure out where in...

Young scholars create quiz boxes about Virginia's history. In this primary source analysis lesson, students locate documents and images about famous Virginians and Virginia landmarks from the Library of Congress website. Young scholars...

Students identify the difference between primary and secondary sources. They discuss the importance of evaluating all sources they might use. They read primary and secondary sources that relate to the colonial period.