This activity can serve as an introduction or a helpful formative assessment following the introduction of primary and secondary sources. Students will use a frayer model to assess whether a source is a primary or secondary source and why.
The completed example above is copied into the account when you click "Use This Assignment" and can serve as a helpful guide when reviewing the answers from students. However, a blank template is also provided for students and can be tailored depending on which documents you would like students to assess. You may choose to fill in the document titles for them and/or include an illustration or photo in the cell.
The four documents and correct answers for this activity are:
Extended Activity:
For this extension activity, students should create a four-panel storyboard that represents objects, artifacts, or other historical or personal documents and their information. Similar to the example from above, students will define whether each document is a primary or secondary source along with the required rationale.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Create a frayer model that assesses whether or not each source is a primary or secondary source.
Guide your students in using safe, age-appropriate research tools to locate both primary and secondary sources. Show them how to use search filters, check website credibility, and recognize trustworthy domains (.edu, .gov, museums). This empowers students to become confident, independent researchers.
Demonstrate how to break down a research question and brainstorm keywords. Explain why specific, relevant keywords produce better results. Have students practice by suggesting search terms aloud before searching online.
Show students how to check who published a source, when it was created, and if it's from a reputable organization. Point out red flags like excessive ads or unclear authorship. Use examples to compare credible and non-credible sites.
Remind students to verify information by checking at least two different sources. This reduces the risk of using inaccurate or biased information. Model this process using a sample fact or event.
Ask students to explain their reasoning for classifying each source. Encourage them to share examples and justify their choices in small groups or as a class. This deepens understanding and promotes critical thinking.
A Frayer model is a visual organizer that helps students define concepts by describing their characteristics, examples, and non-examples. For primary and secondary sources, it guides students to identify, classify, and justify whether a source is primary or secondary, supporting deeper understanding.
To help students distinguish primary from secondary sources, use activities like the Frayer model, provide real examples (letters, photos, articles), and encourage them to explain their reasoning. Discussing the origin, purpose, and timing of each document makes the differences clear.
Primary sources include items like the Bixby Letter, original photographs, and historical artifacts. Secondary sources can be magazine articles, textbooks, or museum descriptions. Choose sources relevant to your lesson topic for best engagement.
In a history or social studies classroom, use the Frayer model by having students label source titles, define if each is primary or secondary, include a rationale, and add an illustration. This process deepens analysis and supports visual learners.
An easy formative assessment is to assign a Frayer model template where students classify a set of sources and explain their reasoning. This quickly shows their grasp of the concept and highlights any misconceptions.