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.

KEY VOCABULARY

primary sourcesecondary sourceevidencepoint of view

SEMINOLE COUNTY CONNECTION

Historic photographs, school yearbooks, maps, and oral histories can provide evidence about how Lake Mary and Seminole County changed over time.

THINK LIKE A SOCIAL SCIENTIST

What could an old school photograph prove, and what question would require another source?

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 · source details ↗

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 ↗
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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