Format
1. We will begin with a discussion about primary sources. What they are, what they are not, why they are important to researchers.
2. We will discuss how a researcher judges the quality of the material. For example, using facts from the NASA web site rather than a blog written by a hobbyist with a telescope.
3. We will discuss the role of the Library of Congress and consider the wide variety of material available on their web site.
4. We will choose a variety of documents to study such as a map, a photograph, a letter, and a document. Using the skills of critical thinking and observation, we will analyze the primary source.
5. Considering our analysis of these documents, we will discuss what the next steps in research should be. We will find out what we learned and what more we need to learn. We will brainstorm about ways to use our results in a research project.
Objectives
1. The participant will gain knowledge about the role of the Library of Congress, and how to find primary sources in its vast collections.
2. The participant will learn how to analyze primary source documents in a way that is super simple.
3. The participant will learn critical thinking skills that will allow them to become better researchers.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Technology Productivity Tools , Technology Communications Tools , Technology Research Tools , Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools
State Standards
The author will adjust each program to fit the needs of each state’s standards.