1. Research: Primary and Secondary Sources
Standard WS1.3: SWBAT use clear research questions and suitable research methods to elicit and present evidence from primary and secondary
sources.

2. Historical Evidence
When conducting any kind of research, it is important to include a variety of historical evidence.
Researchers look at many kinds of materials to learn about the past.
The two main kinds of materials used in research are primary and secondary sources.

3. Primary Sources
Primary sources are documents or physical objects created during the time period being studied.
Primary sources provide direct, or first-hand knowledge of events.
Letters
Photographs
Clothing
Diaries
Scrapbooks
Speeches
Furniture
Surveys
Art

4. Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are created after the time period being studied or by someone not present at the event.
Secondary sources are often based on primary sources.
Textbooks
Newspaper articles
Dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Book Reviews
Critical Writings

5. Examples
Keep in mind that the categories of primary and secondary sources are not strict. Depending on the type of research you are doing, a source may change from primary to secondary or vice versa.
Research Topic Primary Source Secondary Source
Books by Steinbeck Of Mice and Men Literary criticism of OMM
Impressionist Art Artist’s sketchbook Reviews of artist’s exhibit
Slavery Slave narratives Interview with Obama
Barack Obama Interview with Obama Biography of Obama

6. Historical Evidence in Your Life
Imagine someone in the future is doing research to find out about YOU. What primary and secondary sources would they find?
MAKE A LIST OF AT LEAST FIVE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES ABOUT YOUR LIFE.
Did you create any records of your activities (a diary, notes to yourself, a letter to a friend or relative, an message, a telephone message)?
Would traces of your activities appear in records someone else created (a friend's diary, notes, or calendar entry; a letter or from a friend or relative)?
Would traces of your activities appear in school records? in business records (did you write a check or use a credit card)? in the school or local newspaper? in government records (did you get your driver's license or go to traffic court)?
Would anyone be able to offer testimony (or oral history) about your activities (who and why)?
Other types of evidence about your life could include the trash you have thrown away;, material objects you use every day (coins, paper money, stamps, computers), objects in the place you live (especially in your own bedroom).