(K-5) Research, Evidence and Point of View

1. students differentiate between primary and secondary sources
2. students pose relevant questions about events encountered in historical documents, eyewitness accounts, oral histories, letters, diaries, artifacts, photos, maps, art and architecture
3. students distinguish fact from fiction by comparing documentary sources on historical figures and events with fictionalized characters and events

(6-9) Research, Evidence and Point of View

1. students assess the credibility of primary and secondary sources and draw sound conclusions from them
2. students detect the different historical points of view on historical events and determine the context in which the historical statements were made (the questions asked, sources used, author's perspectives)

(10-12) Research, Evidence and Point of View

1. students distinguish valid arguments from fallacious arguments in historical interpretations
2. students identify bias and prejudice in historical interpretations
3. students evaluate major debates among historians concerning alternative interpretations of the past, including an analysis of authors' use of evidence and the distinctions between sound generalizations and misleading oversimplifications
4. students construct and test hypotheses; collect, evaluate and employ information from multiple primary and secondary sources; and apply it in oral and written presentations

National Archives and Records Administration
http://www.nara.gov/education/teaching/teaching.html

1. Select 1-2 lessons to review and evaluate.
2. Compare and contrast these document-based lessons to lessons typically taught in your classroom.

American Memories (Library of Congress)
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/lesson.html

1. Identify each of the various forms of primary sources described in "Using Primary Sources in the Classroom."
2. Evaluate "Lesson Frameworks"
3. Review "Historian’s Resources" &emdash; is this appropriate for use with your students?

Hints for Finding Primary Sources
http://ww2.csusm.edu/library/ILP/primary.html
Visit on-line primary source links

Crayon News Links
http://www.crayon.net/using/links.html

Newseum (Freedom Forum Foundation)
http://www.newseum.org/

History Channel
http://www.historychannel.com

San Diego Historical Society
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
http://www.history.org/

Gateway to World History
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/gateway/index.html

Repositories of Primary Sources
http://www.uidaho.edu/special-collections/Other.Repositories.html

American Women’s History Sources
http://frank.mtsu.edu/~kmiddlet/history/women.html

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/hmss