Distinguishing Primary and Secondary Sources

This tutorial explains the difference between primary and secondary sources. It provides examples from social studies, art, and science to illustrate each type. Primary sources are firsthand accounts, while secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources. The video also includes practical examples to help viewers identify each type of source. Additional resources are suggested for further learning.

What is the main difference between primary and secondary sources?

• Primary sources are more reliable than secondary sources.

• Primary sources are always written documents, while secondary sources are always visual.

• Primary sources are firsthand accounts, while secondary sources interpret primary sources.

• Primary sources are created by experts, while secondary sources are not.

Which of the following is an example of a primary source in social studies?

• A transcript of a speech given by George Washington.

• A documentary recounting World War II events.

• A book discussing the Revolutionary War.

• An article analyzing President George Washington's speaking style.

Which item is a primary source in the field of art?

• A book about Mary Cassatt's life and paintings.

• An article about Native American basket weaving techniques.

• Mary Cassatt's painting, Little Girl In Blue Armchair.

• A lecture on Kandinsky's painting style.

When should you use primary sources?

• When you want to gather background information.

• When you want to experience something firsthand.

• When you want to read an expert's analysis.

• When you want to see a summary of events.

Which of the following is a secondary source in science?

• Statistics about the decline in the population of bees.

• A drawing from the Wright brothers' patent for their flying machine.

• A book about how the Wright brothers invented the airplane.

• Raw data collected by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Which of these is a secondary source in social studies?

• A transcript of a speech given by George Washington.

• A newspaper article written during the Revolutionary War.

• A book discussing the Revolutionary War from both perspectives.

• Excerpts from the journals of Lewis and Clark.

Which of these is a primary source for a paper about themes in Mo Willems' books?

• A documentary about Mo Willems' life.

• A biography about Mo Willems.

• The book, Waiting Is Not Easy!, written by Mo Willems.

• An article analyzing Mo Willems' writing style.

Which is a primary source for a paper about Oregon salmon populations?

• An article discussing the work being done to increase salmon numbers.

• A book about the history of salmon fishing in Oregon.

• Raw data collected by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

• A documentary on the life cycle of salmon.

What is a common use of secondary sources?

• To interpret data for yourself.

• To get a firsthand account of an event.

• To gather background knowledge on a subject.

• To personally reflect on works of art.

Which is a secondary source for a paper about life for children on the Oregon Trail?

• A website describing what it was like to travel by wagon.

• A diary written by a child who traveled the Oregon Trail.

• A covered wagon at a local history museum.

• Photographs taken during the journey on the Oregon Trail.