Links for Activity Files

Resources for Teaching this Activity


Differentiate and Adapt this Activity

Add Additional/Modify Questions: Additional questions for analysis can be generated by using the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool. Once on this webpage, scroll down to access primary source analysis documents adapted for a variety of different types of primary sources. You may also find questions from the SHEG Historical Thinking Chart useful.

National Archives Document Analysis Worksheets: Supply students with the appropriate document analysis worksheet from National Archives. Worksheets are available for “Novice or Younger Students, or Those Leaning English” and “Intermediate or Secondary Students.”


Scaffold this Activity

Vocabulary Preparation: Front-load challenging vocabulary terms used in this activity prior to the lesson. Consider using a graphic organizer such as the Frayer Model.

Model: Model how to analyze a primary source prior to the activity.

Guided Instruction: Use guided instruction with challenging questions to work through together as a class.

Group: Group students to analyze the source together.

Chunk: Chunk or break down analysis questions and text into more manageable pieces. Use responses as formative assessments to check for understanding and respond to misconceptions.


Technology Suggestions

Google Form Zoom-In Activity: Zoom in on features of the primary source for closer analysis. Here are instructions for creating a Zoom-In Activity. Also see Integrating Tech: Zoom-In to Primary Source Analysis and Teaching Now: Zooming In on the Benefits of Primary Source Analysis Using Google Forms.

Online Interactive Form: Use Google Forms or a similar interactive form to have students complete the activity either individually or as a group and submit it by uploading.


Extend this Activity

Additional Primary Sources: Assign students to find additional primary sources from this case. Students may begin their search by exploring the Library of Congress website. Students can use the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool and SHEG Historical Thinking Chart to analyze their documents.


Answer Key