TPS Spotlight: University of the Arts

TPS Spotlight: University of the Arts

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress, the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program at the University of the Arts leverages UArts faculty and local arts organization partners to utilize the vast cultural resources of our nation’s library for K-12 teachers and their students. The program’s unique professional development opportunities and resources focus…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Form & Function

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Form & Function

Take a close look at the collection of images above (.pdf). What common theme can you identify? Note similarities and differences between the images. Now take a look at the bibliographic records of each image by clicking the links below. What is the function of the main object in each image? Choose one of these and investigate…

Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture

Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture

Architecture primary source set Library architecture collections American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Architecture & Design Architecture, Design, and Engineering Drawings collection Brumfield Collection images of the architecture of the Russian North, including Siberia Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South collection Gottscho-Schleisner Collection U.S. architectural styles and trends Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Cornell-Liberty Safety Car

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Cornell-Liberty Safety Car

Look closely at the drawing and use a magnifying glass to decipher the notes. What did you learn? What safety features are recommended? Use the two articles linked to below to create a Brief History of Motor Vehicle Safety in the United States; you may choose to write an article or develop a timeline, infographic,…

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner K-2

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner K-2

Overview The flag is one of the United States’ most important symbols and the central character of the country’s national anthem. This project introduces students to the key historical events that led to the creation of this patriotic song, helping them to learn the lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner and expand their overall understanding of U.S. history…

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner 3-5

Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner 3-5

Overview The flag is one of the United States’ most important symbols and the central character of the country’s national anthem. This project introduces students to key historical events that led to the creation of this patriotic song, helping them to learn the lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner, and expands their overall understanding of…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Steam engine, cam ring & hammer shaft

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Steam engine, cam ring & hammer shaft

Use a magnifying glass to study the details of this design drawing? What did you learn? What types of skills do you need to have to be an industrial designer? What similar types of skills do you have? Imagine a new industrial product and sketch the design. How will this product advance industry? What other…

Today in History: Benjamin Henry Latrobe

Today in History: Benjamin Henry Latrobe

Today in History–May 1–the Library of Congress features Benjamin Henry Latrobe, born on this day in 1764. Find out more about early American engineer and architect who helped plan the U.S. Capitol and the White House and many more influential buildings by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Latrobe and architecture. Benjamin Henry…

Today in History: Raymond Loewy

Today in History: Raymond Loewy

Today in History–March 22–the Library of Congress features industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who presented his designs for a sleek roadster he called the Avanti to the Studebaker Corporation on this day in 1961. Loewy designed cars for other companies too as well as locomotives and a wide assortment of both industrial and consumer products. Learn more about “father of…