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Analyzing A Primary Source
Analyzing A Primary Source
Primary sources are the raw materials of history — original documents and objects which were created at the time under study. They are different from secondary sources, accounts or interpretations of events created by someone after the time under study.
Examining primary sources gives students a powerful sense of history and the complexity of the past. Helping students analyze primary sources can also guide them toward higher-order thinking and better critical thinking and analysis skills.
Watch this 2 min video titled Analyzing a Primary Source for a short demonstration on how to use the Analysis Tool. Transcript
Read About It!
Read About It!
This collection of blog posts from Teaching With The Library of Congress will give you teaching ideas for using the Observe, Reflect and Question sections within Library of Congress Analysis Tool.
On this webpage there are links to downloadable pdf teacher guides of this Analysis Tool designed to use with different primary source formats such as newspapers, movies, political cartoons, maps, and books.
Write About It (in Canvas Tutorial 7)
Write About It (in Canvas Tutorial 7)
- Browse the classroom materials on the Teachers Page and select one primary source that aligns with your interest, local curriculum or standards.
- Take the primary source that you selected and use the online LOC Analysis Tool to record your observations, reflections, and questions.
- Select a specific format such as newspaper or photograph at the top of the form to see question prompts applicable to that format.
- When your analysis is finished, paste the URL for your primary source in the textbox for "Further Investigation." Then click the Download button in the bottom right corner to save the pdf to your computer so you may share it with your instructor.
- How can you use this analysis tool with students or in a PD workshop?
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