Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Ask students about a big recent event at school: the winning touchdown at a recent game, a great dance number in the school musical, the time a dog got into the cafeteria. . . . Ask students to raise their hands if they witnessed the event personally. Then ask students to raise their hands if they heard about the event. Have a few of those who heard about it describe it aloud. Then have a few of those who witnessed it tell what they saw and experienced.

Point out that first-hand witnesses are primary sources of information. They were there, and they experienced the event. Second-hand witnesses are secondary sources. They've heard about or learned about the event but did not witness it directly.

Each type of source has its strengths and weaknesses.

• Primary sources are direct and unfiltered, but they reflect one person's experience instead of a broader perspective.
• Secondary sources are indirect and filtered, but they often reflect multiple people's experiences and a broader perspective.

Both types of sources provide valuable information to understand a topic. Lead students through the material on this page to help them fully understand the two types of sources.