Primary & Secondary Sources: Interactive LINKtivity®

What Will Students Learn?

Part 1: Understanding Primary & Secondary Sources

Students begin with a fascinating historical event—the sinking of the Titanic! By exploring photographs, letters, books, and documentaries, they'll discover the difference between sources created during an event and those created afterward.

Part 2: Primary Sources

Students dive deeper into the world of historical research as they explore different types of primary sources through interactive card carousels and clickable folders.

Primary Sources Include:

• Photographs

• Letters & Diaries

• Objects & Artifacts

• Newspapers & Documents

• Interviews, Speeches & Newscasts

• Maps

• Posters

Part 3: Secondary Sources

Students explore different types of secondary sources through interactive card carousels and clickable folders.

Secondary Sources Include:

• Textbooks

• Biographies

• Encyclopedias

• History Websites

• Documentaries

• Articles

• Timelines

Part 3: Think Like a Historian — Mount St. Helens History Detective Challenge

It's time to put their new skills to the test! Students become history detectives as they investigate the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens using seven different historical sources, including:

• A geologist interview

• An authentic 1980 newspaper

• An interactive timeline

• A magazine article

• A biography

• A gallery of historical photographs

• A television newscast from the eruption

As they explore each source, students answer guiding questions, examine evidence, and determine whether they're looking at a primary or secondary source.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this LINKtivity®, students will be able to:

• Define and distinguish between primary and secondary sources.

• Identify different types of historical sources.

• Examine authentic historical evidence.

• Ask thoughtful questions about historical information.

• Analyze and classify primary and secondary sources.

• Think critically about how historians learn about the past.

Why Teachers Love LINKtivities®

No-prep, interactive learning! LINKtivities combine engaging multimedia content with student-friendly navigation to make learning accessible and meaningful.

This LINKtivity® includes:

• 🔊 Built-In Audio Narration: Read-aloud audio throughout the lesson supports readers of all abilities.

• 💻 Interactive Exploration: Clickable folders, pop-ups, and card carousels encourage active learning.

• 🎥 Embedded Videos: Students watch historical footage and educational videos without leaving the lesson.

• 🔍 Authentic Historical Sources: Explore zoomable newspaper excerpts, historical photographs, and interactive timelines.

• 🧭 Easy Student Navigation: Students can explore at their own pace and revisit sections as needed.

• ✅ No Student Accounts Required: Simply share the LINKtivity® link and students can begin learning!

What's Included?

Your purchase includes everything you need for an engaging primary and secondary sources lesson!

1. Interactive Primary & Secondary Sources LINKtivity® - A multimedia digital lesson packed with interactive features, historical examples, videos, audio narration, and opportunities for critical thinking.

2. Teacher Lesson Plan - ready-to-use teaching guide featuring essential questions, materials, preparation instructions, and a structured lesson with an introduction, student activity, and wrap-up.

3. Student Flipbook — TWO Versions! - Reinforce learning and encourage student accountability with a companion flipbook available in two formats:

• Digital Google Slides Version — Perfect for paperless classrooms.

• Printable Black-and-White Version — Ideal for hands-on learning and student notebooks.

Each flipbook includes a page for every section of the LINKtivity®.

4. Answer Key - An answer key makes reviewing student work quick and easy!

Perfect For:

• Upper elementary social studies (Grades 3–5)

• Introducing primary and secondary sources

• Historical thinking and inquiry skills

• Independent learning and self-paced activities

• Whole-group instruction

• Social studies centers and stations

• Homeschool lessons

• Sub plans and meaningful review activities

How Does a LINKtivity® Work?

LINKtivities are interactive, multimedia digital lessons designed to make learning more engaging for today's students!

Simply open the LINKtivity® in any web browser and share the link with your students. They'll click through the lesson, exploring videos, photographs, interactive activities, and informational content at their own pace.

No downloads, student logins, or complicated setup required!

LINKtivities can also be shared through secure learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Canvas, and Schoology.

Help your students become history detectives! With this Primary & Secondary Sources LINKtivity®, students won't just memorize definitions—they'll investigate real historical evidence, ask meaningful questions, and discover how historians piece together stories from the past.