Primary and Secondary Sources Teacher Resources

Eleventh graders examine Japanese-American internment. In this World War II lesson, 11th graders research primary sources that they locate to learn about the experiences of the interned Japanese-Americans. Students then complete a...

Learners discover details about the Underground Railroad. In this slavery instructional activity, students read primary documents about fugitive slaves and analyze the sources using the provided worksheets. 

Eighth graders take a closer look at the Spanish influenza breakout of 1918. For this research skills lesson, 8th graders examine primary sources gathered by their instructor and identify how communities prepared (or did not prepare for)...

Young scholars consider Race and Ethnicity in baseball. In this American history lesson, students examine primary source images of American baseball. They then develop an original argument, pose historical questions and conduct Internet...

Students explore centennial America. In this American history lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the lifestyles and values of Americans in 1876. Students design exhibits to...

Students define the American dream. In this primary research lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the ideal of the American dream.  Students create presentation to...

Pupils examine primary source material of the Depression to correlate the fictional text "Out of the Dust" with actual visual, auditory, and manuscript accounts as found in the American Memory collections.

Ninth graders explore the concept of imperialism. In this imperialism lesson, 9th graders analyze primary sources regarding British imperialism in Africa. Students analyze the sources for credibility as they gain an understanding of the...

Students consider how the American Civil War affected Northerners and Southerners. In this primary source analysis lesson, students read the provided narratives of the war and respond to questions about both of the narratives.

Young scholars examine primary sources to discover information about life in the 20th century. In this propaganda lesson, students analyze posters from the time period and present their findings to their classmates. 

Eleventh graders take a closer look at living conditions during the Great Depression. In this Great Depression lesson, 11th graders analyze primary source packets that their teachers prepare and then record facts about life...

Young scholars examine the settlement patterns of the Kansas Territory. In this Kansas history activity, students analyze primary documents from the pioneers in the territory. Young scholars write letters or perform skits that feature...

Students research the War of 1812 as it affected Canadian history. They research primary source documents that are listed at the include websites. They answer the associated research questions.

Students examine primary sources regarding American movement to the west. In this westward expansion lesson, students create broadside posters based on the Homestead Act primary sources they research.

Young scholars examine photographs taken of immigrants during late 1800s and early 1990s in America, and identify factors involved in immigration through examination of primary documents that include statistics, trends, graphs,...

Students explore the Chautauqua movement. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, students use primary documents to explore what the Chautauqua was and how it made a difference in the American way of life.

Students examine primary sources and perform historical analysis. In this Huexotzinco Codex lesson, students investigate the codex as they make inferences and draw conclusions

Students explore the history of the United States and slavery. For this slavery lesson plan, students view primary sources, complete journal writing, view videos, and answer short answer questions.

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this World War II lesson plan, students examine racial relations during the war and then examine propaganda techniques employed by the United...

Students investigate the effects of war on soldiers. In this World War I lesson, students link to the provided Web link to locate primary sources about American soldiers during the war. Students write historical narratives based on their...

Students analyze primary sources regarding World War II. For this World War II lesson, students read "The Atlantic Charter," and respond to questions about the document. 

Learners examine the effects of discrimination. In this American Civil Rights Movement lesson, students participate in a classroom activity that requires them to personally feel the effects of discrimination. Learners then explore...

In this primary source analysis worksheet, students respond to 15 short answer questions that require them to analyze leaflets or brochures of their choice.

In this primary source analysis instructional activity, students respond to 20 short answer questions that require them to analyze sheet music of their choice.