This lesson introduces students to primary resources by analyzing a historical map from the the American Memory Collection with the entire class. The map will be examined first for observations and then for interpretations. Students will be asked to draw conclusions about life in Hannibal during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Examples of other primary resources will be shared and analyzed in smaller groups. 

Objectives

• The learner will understand primary resources.
• The learner will critically evaluate information sources for reliability, accuracy, perspective, relevancy and authoritativeness.
• The learner will understand culture and life around Hannibal during Twain's time.

Time Required

Recommended Grade Level

Curriculum Fit

Resources Used

• Historic American Sheet Music
• Music for the Nation: American Sheet Music, 1870--1885
• Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs.
• Map Collections: 1544--1996.
• Panoramic Maps
• Local artifacts (memorabilia, realia)
• Local newspapers, magazines, textbooks

Procedure

To view the analysis worksheets used in this lesson, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

1. Identify map to be used as a large group activity. See Guttenberg map or any map in the collection.
2. Explain the differences between primary and secondary resources.
• Using Primary Sources in the Classroom
• Historian's Sources
3. Bring examples of primary and secondary documents to class. Examples might include old and current cookbooks, farm sale handbills, birth certificates, driver's licenses, diaries, tickets to events, museum artifacts, old clothes, newspapers, magazines, textbooks. Discuss what makes them primary or secondary resources.
4. As a class, examine the map using the map analysis worksheet.
• Record observations of what is actually seen in the document.
• Record observations from using outside knowledge.
• Record conclusions drawn.
5. Break class into smaller groups, giving each group a different primary resource to review using the analysis worksheets. Primary resources such as photographs, sheet music or maps can be found at a local historical society or in books, newspapers or magazines, or use the online American Memory documents provided below.
• Map Analysis Worksheet
• Photograph Analysis Worksheet
• Sheet Music Analysis Worksheet
• American Memory Documents
• Map of St. Louis
• Photograph of President's Day on the River
• Sheet Music—Beautiful Songs of the South
6. Have groups share what they have learned about their resources.

Extensions

• Invite a museum curator or university archivist (in person or utilizing distance learning)
• Visit a local museum or historical society

Students demonstrate their understanding of primary resources by completing an analysis worksheet and sharing their conclusions with the class.

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jwoody@netins.net
nthiese@aea1.k12.ia.us

May 19, 2000