MMati Learning Hub

LESSON 2.1 · SS.3.A.1.1–SS.3.A.1.3

Think Like a Historian

Learning goal: Use primary and secondary sources to answer questions about the past.

What to know

  • A primary source was created by someone who experienced the time or event; examples include letters, photographs, artifacts, and interviews.
  • A secondary source explains the past later, often by combining several sources.
  • Historians compare sources, notice point of view, and support conclusions with evidence.
  • Digital collections can help locate sources, but the source and its context still matter.
Newly arrived immigrants inside the Ellis Island building in 1904

A historical photograph is a primary source. Ask: Who made it, when, what can we observe, and what can it not tell us?

Library of Congress · public domain · image source ↗

Use the evidence

A 1904 photograph of new arrivals is a primary source. A modern textbook chapter explaining immigration is a secondary source. Together they answer different questions.

WATCH & NOTICE

The Immigration History of the United States

From Knowledgia

Look for push and pull factors, then compare the video’s explanation with the historical photograph.

Open video on YouTube ↗
1 of 4

Unit 2 learning map

The school’s learning goals are connected to Florida’s Grade 3 Social Studies benchmarks so ideas are learned in context.

SS.3.A.1.1–SS.3.A.1.3Think Like a HistorianSS.3.A.1.1 · SS.3.G.4.1–SS.3.G.4.2Why People MoveSS.3.AA.1.1 · SS.3.G.4.2–SS.3.G.4.4Culture and ContributionsSS.3.CG.2.1 · SS.3.AA.1.1Citizens Improve Communities
Sources, curriculum references, and media credits
  1. Crystal Lake Elementary — Grade 3 Social Studies outline

    The four local units, essential questions, and learning goals.

  2. Florida DOE — State Academic Standards for Social Studies

    Current Grade 3 standards used for lesson and practice alignment; Grade 3 begins on PDF page 26.

  3. Library of Congress · public domain

    Newly arrived immigrants inside the Ellis Island building in 1904