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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Inquiry and research: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student engages in both short-term and sustained recursive inquiry processes for a variety of purposes.

A teacher may wish to pair SE 3.13.C with SE 3.13.D and assess both SEs at the same time. With SE 3.13.C, students identify and gather relevant information from a variety of sources. As students begin a research project, guide them as they identify and gather source material. Prompt them to indicate whether each source is a primary or secondary source.

Further Explanation

This SE requires students to use information from a variety of reliable sources to support results or claims, and to include a combination of primary and secondary sources to ensure a robust collection of supporting evidence. While compiling sources, students can consider questions, such as “Was the author of this document present when the event occurred?” or “Did this expert learn about the topic through research or experience?” 

An important step in research is using information from a variety of reliable sources to support results or claims. A combination of primary and secondary sources will ensure a robust collection of supporting evidence. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or documentation of a particular event (e.g., a diary, photograph, or speech). Secondary sources provide information about an event that may have occurred elsewhere or during a different time (e.g., a documentary, textbook, or magazine article). While compiling sources, students need to ask questions such as “Was the author of this document present when the event occurred?” or “Did this expert learn about the topic through research or experience?”

Research

1. Bober, T. (2018). The power of primary sources: Tips for introducing historic documents to younger students. American Libraries, 49(9–10), 56. Retrieved from https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A553402618/PROF?u=tea&sid=PROF&xid=bea5115e

Summary: A brief article that presents practical ideas for introducing younger students to primary sources for research and inquiry.

2. Anderson, M. A. (2009). The power of primary sources: primary sources aren't just about history. Their use can enhance learning in all content areas and for students of all ages. The widespread prevalence of digital primary sources makes a greater range available and accessible to all. Multimedia & Internet@Schools, 16(6), 35+. Retrieved from https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A211806240/PROF?u=tea&sid=PROF&xid=6b46063c

Summary: The author looks at a variety of primary sources, from diaries and letters to maps, YouTube videos, etc. in this article on effectively using primary sources in the classroom.