History DeteCtives The world is full of exciting stories Some stories are very old Other stories are happening right now They are all ready for you to learn about With so much to know where do you start Peek online Visit a library Look in your classroom All of these places have resources to help you find facts Many of these resources are secondary sources Both primary and secondary sources give information about events people and places A primary Many resources you need can be found in your classroom or a library 4
Compare and Contrast How are primary and secondary sources alike How are they different source is a work that gives original information It is something that comes from the time being described or from a person who was involved in the events being described A secondary source does not give original information It explains information gathered from primary sources You can be a history detective and learn about the past one clue at a time Secondary sources can guide you Computers are a great tool for research 5
Be a FaCt FinDer Detectives ask questions You should ask six questions when you want to learn new things who what when where why and how The answers to these questions will help you to uncover clues and gather information Let’s use a biography of Abraham Lincoln as an example of a secondary source What can you learn from a biography Start by asking the six key questions Who is it about or who was Abraham Lincoln What did Lincoln do When did he live Where did Asking important questions helps guide your research 6
VOCABULARY A biography is a history of a person's life It is written about a person by someone else An autobiography is written by the person himself or herself he live Why was he important How did he become president or how did he make a difference See how many of the questions you can answer Write down what you find You can learn a lot from a few questions War Department Washington April 20 1865 SI00 000 REWARD THE MURDERER of our late beloved President ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS STILL AT LARGE will be paid by this Department for his apprehension in addition to any reward offered by Manleipal Authorities or State Excentives 50 000 REWARD 25 000 REWARD 25 000 REWARD will be paid for the apprehension or JOHN H SURRATT one of Booth necomplees A biography about Abraham Lincoln might include images that help to tell the reader about his life and death
