Primary Sources: What, Why, Where, How?

Audience
Library media technicians and specialists

Time
Two Hours

Lesson Focus

• library media technicians and specialists will learn:
• what primary sources are
• why primary sources should be included in lessons
• where primary sources can be found
• how primary sources can be used in lessons

Standards Assessed

Information Literacy Standards:

1. The information literate student accesses information efficiently and effectively.
2. The information literate student evaluates information critically and competently.
3. The information literate student uses information accurately and competently.

Standard Addressed
Information Literacy Standards: 1,2, and 3 (see above)

Colorado 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.

Assessment
Assessment: Media staff will find two primary sources, one by accessing the Colorado Digitization collections and one from the American Memory collections. On the form provided, they will list information about the two sources, including title and description, the location, and how it could be used in a lesson.

Materials

• computer lab with Internet access
• Bookmark websites: PBS, Rocky Mountain PBS, Colorado Digitization Program, and Library of Congress American Memory
• SmartBoard (optional)
• LCD projector
• lesson handouts: Introductory Analysis of Objects, Further Analysis of Objects, Search #1, Search #2, 2 copies of Assessment Form

Procedures

Lesson structure

1. Introductory activity: As a group, participants will be presented with two photographs (Chipeta, Chief Ouray's Squaw and Baby Doe Tabor) In small groups, the participants will analyze the photos, using the forms, "Introductory Analysis of Objects" and "Further Analysis of Objects". Discussion will follow about the photographs and their possible use with students and in the development of lessons. The study of Colorado history is part of the curriculum for 4th grade in Colorado, so this would relate to developing interdisciplinary lessons. Discussion will include mention of other resources such as the PBS database and Rocky Mountain PBS ( for example, video program, "America's Byways: the San Juan Skyway") Discussion will also include brainstorming possible research topics related to the two photos. (30 min.)
   
   
2. Overview of types of primary sources will be given (objects, images, audio, statistics, text, community). For a good overview of the types of primary sources go to: Using Primary Sources in the Classroom (Library of Congress American Memory). An explanation of metadata will be given, so that sources can be cited correctly. (Metadata: Data about data. Metadata describes how and when and by whom a particular set of data was collected, and how the data is formatted. Metadata is essential for understanding information stored in data warehouses http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/metadata.html ) (15 min.)
   
   
3. A) Search #1: Participants will access the Heritage Colorado Database, and will perform a sample online search with the instructor. They will search for "Chipeta" and will have the directions for searching in print form, so they can follow the steps through oral and printed directions. B) Search2: Participants will access the Library of Congress American Memory, and will perform a sample online search with the instructor. They will search for "Baby Doe" and will have both print and oral directions for the search. The instructor will lead or model the searches. (30 min.)
   
4. Participants will search individually for two primary sources on any topic relating to Colorado from the Heritage Colorado Database and the Library of Congress American Memory and will complete the assessment form for each source found. (45 min.)

by Joyce Brooks, St. Vrain Valley School District Media Services