Historians' Tools: Primary vs Secondary Sources
Year 7 History Understanding How Historians Investigate the Past WALT: We Are Learning To identify and categorise historical sources
What's in a Historian's Toolbox?
Think about detectives solving mysteries... What tools might historians use to investigate the past? Share your ideas with the person next to you
Primary Sources: First-Hand Evidence
Created during the time period being studied First-hand accounts or direct evidence Examples: diaries, letters, photographs, artifacts Like eyewitness testimony in court
Secondary Sources: Later Interpretations
Created after the time period being studied Analyze and interpret primary sources Examples: textbooks, documentaries, museum displays Like a news report about an event
Source Detective Challenge
Work in groups of 3-4 students Sort the source images into PRIMARY or SECONDARY Discuss why each source fits in that category Be ready to explain your reasoning!
Why Do Historians Need Both Types?
{"left":"Primary sources give us direct evidence from the past\nSecondary sources help us understand and interpret that evidence\nPrimary sources can be incomplete or biased","right":"Secondary sources provide analysis and context\nBoth together give us a fuller picture\nLike puzzle pieces that fit together"}
Success Criteria Check
✓ I can explain what primary and secondary sources are ✓ I can identify examples from images and descriptions ✓ I can categorise historical sources appropriately ✓ I can explain why historians use these sources
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