🔎 Case File 1: Source Detective

Historians investigate the past using evidence. A primary source was created at the time being studied. A secondary source was created later by someone explaining or interpreting the past.

Classify each source. Tick one box and explain what it can and cannot tell us.

It can tell us: ________________________________________________

It cannot tell us: ______________________________________________

It can tell us: ________________________________________________

It cannot tell us: ______________________________________________

It can tell us: ________________________________________________

It cannot tell us: ______________________________________________

It can tell us: ________________________________________________

It cannot tell us: ______________________________________________

It can tell us: ________________________________________________

It cannot tell us: ______________________________________________

It can tell us: ________________________________________________

It cannot tell us: ______________________________________________

🕵️ Case File 2: Timeline Challenge

Put these investigation steps in the most sensible order. Write numbers 1–8 in the boxes, then explain why your first and last steps belong there.

____ Compare the evidence and look for agreements or disagreements.

____ Ask a focused question about the past.

____ Share a claim supported by evidence.

____ Find and collect relevant sources.

____ Check who created each source and when.

____ Decide what the evidence suggests.

____ Record useful facts, quotations or details.

____ Ask whether the evidence is reliable and useful.

🗝️ Case File 3: Evidence to Claim

Mystery event: In 1892, the people of the fictional town of Bellford held a sudden meeting after the town bell rang three times at midnight. What caused the meeting?

Source A: Town newspaper, 1892
“The bell warned everyone that the river had flooded. Brave townspeople worked together to move families to higher ground.”

Source B: Diary of Ada Morris, a shopkeeper, 1892
“I heard the bell but saw no flood. People hurried towards the old mill. Some carried lanterns and tools.”

Source C: Letter from the mill owner to the town council, 1892
“The old mill is safe and has caused no trouble. Rumours about damage are exaggerated.”

Source D: History book published in 2020
“Local records suggest that a broken water wheel damaged part of the old mill. The midnight meeting may have been called to organise repairs.”

The midnight meeting was probably caused by ______________________________ because Source ___ says ____________________________________________. However, Source ___ suggests ____________________________________________.

✅ Teacher Answer Guide

Source Detective: 1 Primary; 2 Secondary; 3 Primary; 4 Secondary; 5 Primary; 6 Secondary. Accept explanations that identify the source’s viewpoint, detail or context, and recognise that no source tells the whole story.

Timeline Challenge: Suggested order: 1 Ask a focused question; 2 Find and collect relevant sources; 3 Check who created each source and when; 4 Record useful facts, quotations or details; 5 Ask whether the evidence is reliable and useful; 6 Compare the evidence; 7 Decide what the evidence suggests; 8 Share a supported claim.

Evidence to Claim: 9 Source C, because the mill owner may want to protect his reputation or property. 10 Sources A and B are acceptable, with B especially useful for a first-hand observation. 11 Accept references to Source B’s mention of the old mill, lanterns and tools, or Source D’s evidence about the damaged water wheel. Claims should use evidence and acknowledge that sources may disagree.