Activity Overview
For this activity, students will be introduced to primary and secondary sources. Students will create a T-chart that separates primary and secondary sources by three defining aspects. The three aspects for this activity are the date of creation, strengths of using that type of source, and the drawbacks/negatives of using that type of source. This activity will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the key components by describing these features while creating visual representations for each reason.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Extension Activity
The extension activity for this lesson will require students to determine whether they believe primary or secondary sources are the stronger option for historians to use when studying the past. Students should create a spider map that describes and visualizes their top three reasons to support their claim. Students should share their thesis with the class and defend their claims against opposing students’ opinions.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T Chart defining three major aspects of primary and secondary sources: Date of Creation, Strengths, and Drawbacks/Negatives of using them.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the Date of Creation, the Strengths of using it, and the Negatives/Drawbacks of using it for primary sources.
- In the other column, do the same for secondary sources.
- Create an illustration using appropriate images, characters, and scenes.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
For this activity, students will be introduced to primary and secondary sources. Students will create a T-chart that separates primary and secondary sources by three defining aspects. The three aspects for this activity are the date of creation, strengths of using that type of source, and the drawbacks/negatives of using that type of source. This activity will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the key components by describing these features while creating visual representations for each reason.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Extension Activity
The extension activity for this lesson will require students to determine whether they believe primary or secondary sources are the stronger option for historians to use when studying the past. Students should create a spider map that describes and visualizes their top three reasons to support their claim. Students should share their thesis with the class and defend their claims against opposing students’ opinions.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T Chart defining three major aspects of primary and secondary sources: Date of Creation, Strengths, and Drawbacks/Negatives of using them.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the Date of Creation, the Strengths of using it, and the Negatives/Drawbacks of using it for primary sources.
- In the other column, do the same for secondary sources.
- Create an illustration using appropriate images, characters, and scenes.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Primary vs. Secondary Source Documents
Engage students with real-world examples of primary and secondary sources
Motivate students by connecting lessons to their lives. Show how primary and secondary sources appear in news articles, family history, or classroom artifacts to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
Gather a diverse set of classroom-friendly source materials
Collect newspapers, diaries, textbooks, photos, and digital resources that represent both source types. Having varied examples helps students actively practice sorting and analyzing.
Model source analysis with a think-aloud
Walk through your process of identifying and evaluating a source in real time. Share your reasoning out loud so students can see how historians approach materials critically.
Facilitate hands-on group sorting activities
Organize students into small groups and provide a mix of primary and secondary sources. Challenge them to work together to classify, justify, and present their decisions.
Connect source analysis to a current class topic
Encourage students to seek out or create primary and secondary sources related to a unit you’re studying. This makes learning relevant and reinforces critical thinking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Primary vs. Secondary Source Documents
What is the difference between primary and secondary sources for students?
Primary sources are original materials from the time being studied, like diaries or photographs, while secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources, such as textbooks or articles. Understanding this helps students evaluate evidence and context in history.
How can I teach primary vs. secondary sources with a T-chart activity?
Teachers can guide students to create a T-chart comparing date of creation, strengths, and drawbacks of primary and secondary sources. This visual tool supports deeper understanding and helps students organize their thoughts effectively.
What are examples of primary and secondary sources I can use in class?
Examples of primary sources include letters, speeches, diaries, photographs, and official documents. Secondary sources include textbooks, biographies, reviews, and scholarly articles.
Why is collaboration helpful when learning about primary and secondary sources?
Collaboration allows students to share ideas, improve communication skills, and solve problems together. Working in groups on activities like T-charts or storyboards can deepen understanding and make lessons more engaging.
What are the strengths and drawbacks of using primary sources in the classroom?
Strengths: Primary sources provide direct, firsthand evidence and engage students in authentic analysis. Drawbacks: They can be biased, hard to understand, or lack context, requiring additional support for students.
More Storyboard That Activities
Primary and Secondary Sources
- Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California • George Eastman House • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- The bloody massacre perpetrated in King Street, Boston, on Mar. 5, 1770, 03/05/1770 - 03/05/1770 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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