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 on enhancing cross-curricular learning by helping teachers incorporate arts-based primary resources into dynamic classroom … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Form & Function
April 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment
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 how the object was used in the past and if it is still used today. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 What types of tasks can you envision the main … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture
June 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment
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 Engineering … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Cornell-Liberty Safety Car
July 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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, or illustrated panel story. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act Encyclopædia Britannica Understanding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) US … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner K-2
September 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 and their personal connections to this country. To complete this project, students will . . . learn about key historical events that … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: The Star Spangled Banner 3-5
September 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 U.S. history and their personal connections to this country. To complete this project, students will . . . learn about key historical events that led … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Steam engine, cam ring & hammer shaft
May 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! … [Read more...]
Today in History: Benjamin Henry Latrobe
May 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 Latrobe drawings & plans Benjamin Henry Latrobe correspondence Benjamin Henry Latrobe … [Read more...]
Today in History: Raymond Loewy
March 22, 2012 by 3 Comments
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 industrial design" by visiting the Today in History section, then take a look at this Exxon company logo and the sources … [Read more...]
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