Analyzing Primary Sources: Strategies & Activities

Ten-Tips-Starting-Year-Map

When first starting out teaching with primary sources, we recommend trying out the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool (see Analyzing Primary Sources: Tools & Guides). Below, we have compiled a rich list of primary source analysis strategies and activities developed by the Library, TPS Consortium partners, and teacher pros in the field.

Library of Congress

Primary Source Nexus

TPS MTSU

State Historical Society of Iowa

TPS UArts Teacher Guides

TPS SIUE Resources

C3 Teachers Inquiry Design Model 

Collaborative for Education Services: Emerging America

Maryland Public Television

Stanford History Education Group

TPS Rockford University Videos

TPS Civics Interactives 6 digital learning platforms with a variety of lessons/activities analyzing primary sources

TPS Western Region

  • Brain Movers 47 ready-made primary source analysis activities

Right Question Institute

Minnesota Historical Society: Inquiry in the Upper Midwest

University of South Alabama