Understanding Historians and Their Sources

What is one of the items found in the bag that can give clues about its owner?

The owner of the bag is known with certainty through the items found.

What does the letter found in the bag tell us about the possible location of the pen pal?

The primary activity proposed is to act as __________ detectives.

Match the items found in the bag with what they imply about the owner:

What is the primary role of a historian?

Artifacts provide no useful information about the cultures that made them.

Name the two major types of sources used by historians.

A historian must evaluate source materials to differentiate between ______ and opinion.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

A historian's interpretation of information is solely based on their academic training.

What are the steps a historian typically follows when conducting research?

Objectives

Define Historian, Sources, Artifacts, Frame of reference, and Bias
Outline the steps a historian takes
Identify three types of sources
Understand a historian's work through a "detective" activity
Develop a greater understanding/appreciation of historical work

Who is a Historian?

A student or writer who systematically studies the past
Similar work to a detective

How Historians Acquire Information

Anything providing information is a source.

Questions to Ask of a Source

WHO?
WHERE?
WHAT?
WHEN?
HOW?
WHY?

Types of Sources

Written
Oral
Other

Artifacts/Artefacts

Objects/tools used by past cultures
Used to understand past people

Steps a Historian Follows

Select a topic
Collect source materials/research
Evaluate source materials, distinguishing between facts and opinion. Objective work without bias is emphasized.
Formulate a hypothesis/conclude.
Record/report findings

Frame of Reference

The way one interprets information
Comes from:
- Life experiences
- Conversations
- Family
- Culture
A historian's interpretation depends on their frame of reference

Historical Detectives Activity

A bag containing various items is found.
Clues from items are used to discover the owner's characteristics.
This activity is an example of using evidence and artifacts to understand the past.

Example of a First Source

Letter written by Angelina. Says to write back soon, love Angelina."
- This is a clue/piece of evidence/artifact to understand Angelina's characteristics

Example of a Historical Detective Scenario

A letter, pen pal assignment, a pin badge, and a syringe
These items provide clues to discover who the owner of the items and the bag was.

Final Thoughts

Can a historian know for sure what really happened in the past? (Discussion/Guided Discussion Question)
Complete worksheet on Facts and Opinions.

This quiz explores the role of historians, the types of sources they utilize, and the methodology they employ in studying the past. Students will learn to define key terms related to history and understand the investigative nature of a historian's work. Grab your detective hats and dive into the sources that shaped our understanding of history!