The Primary Source Investigator Report encourages students to investigate primary sources in a similar fashion to how a detective might investigate a crime. By identifying the “who, what, when, where, and why,” students will gather the information needed to engage in thoughtful primary source analysis. In addition to the worksheet, this tool includes discussion questions and topics, methods, and extensions.

Use this tool to think through incorporating primary sources into your classroom, from considering the background information and context you’ll need to provide for your students, to the specific methods you’ll employ to use primary sources effectively. Consider the guiding questions individually or with a group of your colleagues.

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