GOOD GOLLY MRS. MOLLY
Intended Levels:
6 - 12 Grades
Focus of Lesson:
- Students will learn to access and use several databases of primary sources that would be useful for their research
Standards addressed:
- History Standard 2: Students know how to use the processes and resources of historical inquiry.
- 2.2 Students know how to interpret and evaluate primary and secondary sources of historical information.
Standards assessed:
- Information Literacy Standard 1: The information literate student access information efficiently and effectively.
- Information Literacy Standard 2:The information literate student evaluates information critically and competently.
Assessment:
Students will use several on-line databases and answers questions on a database worksheet. Students will research and answer questions on a Secondary Source Worksheet.
Time:
Two 40 minute periods
Teacher Preparation/ Materials:
- Access to the Internet
- Print off and copy for all students the Database Worksheet
- Print off and copy for all students the Secondary Source Worksheet
- Pencils
- Examples of secondary sources: reference materials, encyclopedias, nonfiction books on related topics, American Heritage Magazine Collection, etc.
- Examples of primary sources: maps, pictures, diaries, audio recordings of oral storytelling, historical documents, artifacts, etc.
Possible Procedures:
1. Before beginning this lesson, students should have prior knowledge of the difference between primary and secondary sources. For a good lesson on this topic go to The Historian's Sources from Library of Congress American Memory Website.
2. Show examples of different primary sources: maps, pictures, diaries, audio recordings of oral storytelling, historical documents, artifacts, etc.
3. Show examples of different secondary sources: Reference materials, encyclopedias, bibliographies, American Heritage Magazine Collection, etc.
4. Students will examine the different sources.
5. Split the class in half.
6. Half the students go to the secondary sources and fill out the secondary source worksheet.
7. The other half of the students working independently/ or in small groups at a computer with internet access follow directions on the database worksheet and answer questions.
8. Students will present and share the information they have found to their class.
9. Students discuss the differences between primary and secondary sources and the effectiveness of each for use in research.
Support Materials:
Database Worksheet
Secondary Source Worksheet
Frances Munoz
Cathy Weitzel
