Thinking Like a Historian - How to Understand Primary and Secondary Sources
In this 4-week course, learners will compare, contrast, analyze and write about historical primary and secondary sources from the US National Archives and Library of Congress. #academic
Mrs. Bausch, M. Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(170)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
Between classes learners may want to brainstorm for their own primary source creation and put together some ideas. Reading of documents will take place during class time together.Assessment
Learner progress will be demonstrated through discussions, writing, and creating an individual primary source.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Ever wonder what a historian does? Understanding historical documents is one part of the job. In this 4-week course learners will differentiate between primary and secondary sources using examples of artifacts from United States history. During Week 1 we will discuss the differences between the types of sources and learn how to identify them through practice with examples from the United States National Archives and the Library of Congress. As we look at the examples we will also talk about the time period the source is from and main events surrounding the source. During Week 2 and 3 learners will improve reading comprehension skills while analyzing the purpose of a source. Critical thinking skills will be used as well as writing skills to complete worksheets about the sources we are examining. In Week 4, learners will identify bias in sources. We will discuss how both primary and secondary sources can exhibit bias. As a culminating activity, learners will create their own primary source. Google slides, photos, and historical documents will be used for instruction in this class. Reading, writing and discussion of the text among the learners will be a key to the learning experience. All of the primary sources will be from the United States National Archives and the Library of Congress as well as the analysis worksheets that will be provided. Join me as we practice becoming historians over the next few weeks together! Week One: What is a Primary and Secondary Source? Week Two: How to Read a Primary Source Week Three: How to Read a Secondary Source Week Four: Understanding Bias in Sources
Learning Goals
Learners will compare and contrast primary and secondary sources by identifying examples of each type of document.
Learners will analyze documents through reading and answering questions about the author, date and purpose of the source.
Learners will understand bias in sources through reading examples and discussions.
Learners will read and view parts of important United States documents to improve comprehension and verbal skills.
Learners will create their own primary source as a demonstration of what they have learned.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Throughout history different people groups have been treated in negative ways including persons of color, women and people from different countries of origin. Some documents may come from a time period where this is the case. These sources will be considered in a sensitive and informed manner.
Supply List
Learners will need to have the document worksheet available that is provided ahead of time ready for class. Paper and pencil may be helpful as well.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined August, 2020
5.0
170reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Bachelor's Degree in History
Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education
Master's Degree in Education
Twelve years experience teaching Social Studies in a public school
Teaching Certification in Social Studies grades 6-12
Course work in Gifted Education from UC Berkeley at Irvine
Museum Studies courses from Johns Hopkins University
Primary Source professional development at the Library of Congress
Reviews
Live Group Class
$44
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 31 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-8 learners per class
