Primary Source Analysis Framework

Primary Source: An original document, object, or artifact providing firsthand evidence of a historical event, object, person, or work of art.
- Examples: Declaration of Independence, top hat of Abraham Lincoln.
Secondary Source: Non-examples that summarize or analyze historical events.
- Examples: History textbook, magazine, encyclopedia.

The Detective (Reading and Annotating)
- Read the source thoroughly.
- Annotate keywords, key terms, key phrases, and big ideas by circling, underlining, or highlighting.
- Look up and define unfamiliar terms to establish context.
- Look for clues and key details to use as evidence.
The Attorney (Applying Context and Prior Knowledge)
- Consider existing knowledge related to the primary source.
- Factor in historical events occurring during the time the source was created.
- Combine external information and contextual details to build a complete case.
The Jury (Forming Conclusions)
- Evaluate all gathered details, evidence, and clues.
- Determine what was learned from the source.
- Assess how the source shapes or reshapes understanding of the topic.
- Reach a verdict or final conclusion.