Unlocking the Past: Accessing Historical Sources Effectively History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 10

Detailed Lesson Plan: History JSS 1 First Term – Week 10

Subject: History
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 11-12 years
Topic: How to Access Sources in History
Sub-topic: Understanding and Utilizing Historical Sources
Duration: 80 minutes

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Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of sources in History.
2. Provide examples of different types of sources in History.
3. Demonstrate how to access various sources in History and relate their characteristics.
4. Discuss the importance of history in our ever-changing dynamic world.

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Keywords

• Sources in History
• Primary sources
• Secondary sources
• Tertiary sources
• Historical significance

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Set Induction

The teacher starts the lesson by asking students about their experiences with historical research, encouraging them to share how they gather information.

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Entry Behaviour

Students have learned about primary, secondary, and tertiary sources in previous lessons and have some knowledge of their importance.

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Learning Resources and Materials

1. History textbooks
2. Access to the internet (if available)
3. Printed historical documents
4. Access to local libraries or archives

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students will connect their previous knowledge of historical sources with new methods of accessing and utilizing those sources effectively.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Research skills
• Analytical thinking
• Effective communication

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Learning Materials

1. Textbooks on historical methodology
2. Online databases or digital archives
3. Historical journals
4. Documentaries

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Reference Books

1. Lagos State Scheme of Work
2. JSS 1 History Textbook

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Instructional Materials

1. Printed examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources
2. Projector for showing online resources
3. Whiteboard for summarizing key points

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Content

1. Explanation of Sources in History

• Sources in History are materials that provide evidence of past events and can be classified into three main types:
  • Primary Sources: Original materials from the time period (e.g., diaries, photographs, official documents).
  • Secondary Sources: Interpretations or analyses based on primary sources (e.g., history books, documentaries).
  • Tertiary Sources: Summaries of primary and secondary sources (e.g., encyclopedias, fact books).

2. Examples of Sources in History

• Primary Sources:
  • Letters from historical figures
  • Artifacts (e.g., tools, clothing)
  • Official government documents
• Secondary Sources:
  • Biographies
  • Academic journals
  • Historical films
• Tertiary Sources:
  • Encyclopedias
  • Textbook summaries
  • Databases like JSTOR

3. How to Access Sources in History

• Accessing Primary Sources:
  • Visit local archives or museums.
  • Use online databases that house historical documents.
• Accessing Secondary Sources:
  • Use library catalogs to find relevant books and articles.
  • Explore academic databases and journal subscriptions.
• Accessing Tertiary Sources:
  • Search encyclopedias and educational websites.
  • Utilize school library resources for fact-checking.

4. Characteristics of Sources in History

• Authenticity: Reliable sources provide genuine evidence.
• Relevance: Sources should relate directly to the topic of study.
• Perspective: Understand the viewpoint of the source (bias, authorship).
• Context: Recognize the historical context surrounding the source.

5. Importance of History in Our Changing World

• History helps us understand the roots of current issues.
• It offers lessons that can guide future decisions.
• Understanding history fosters critical thinking and empathy.
• It helps us appreciate cultural diversity and heritage.

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Evaluation

Fill in the blanks with the correct option (a, b, c, or d).

1. Primary sources are __________.
   a. interpretations of events
   b. original materials from the past
   c. summaries of other sources
   d. unreliable documents
2. An example of a secondary source is __________.
   a. a diary
   b. a textbook
   c. an artifact
   d. a photograph
3. Tertiary sources provide __________.
   a. deep analysis
   b. firsthand accounts
   c. summaries of information
   d. primary evidence
4. To access primary sources, one might visit __________.
   a. a library
   b. a museum or archive
   c. a bookstore
   d. a cinema
5. The relevance of historical sources is important because __________.
   a. they are all biased
   b. they help us understand current events
   c. they provide entertainment
   d. they are always easy to find
6. One advantage of understanding history is __________.
   a. it allows us to ignore the past
   b. it fosters critical thinking
   c. it simplifies complex issues
   d. it prevents us from learning
7. An example of a primary source could be __________.
   a. a documentary
   b. a government report
   c. a biography
   d. an encyclopedia
8. Which source type summarizes primary and secondary sources?
   a. Primary sources
   b. Secondary sources
   c. Tertiary sources
   d. None of the above
9. Understanding historical context is essential because __________.
   a. it makes studying history easier
   b. it helps in analyzing sources accurately
   c. it reduces the need for research
   d. it is not relevant to history
10. The study of history is important because __________.
    a. it has no impact on the present
    b. it teaches us about our culture and society
    c. it only focuses on the past
    d. it can be ignored

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Class Activity Discussion

1. What are the three types of sources in History?
   • Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
2. Provide examples of primary and secondary sources.
   • Primary: letters, photographs; Secondary: history books, documentaries.
3. Why is it important to understand the characteristics of sources?
   • It helps in analyzing their reliability and relevance.
4. How can we access historical sources?
   • Through libraries, archives, online databases, and museums.
5. Discuss the importance of history in our world today.
   • It informs current events and helps us learn from the past.

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Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “Identification of Sources in History.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “How to Access Sources in History,” explaining the different types of sources and their characteristics.
Step 3: The teacher allows students to provide examples of how they have accessed historical sources and discusses their findings.

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Teacher’s Activities

1. Explain the different types of sources in History.
2. Guide students on how to access these sources effectively.
3. Facilitate discussions on the significance of historical study in contemporary society.

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Learners’ Activities

1. Identify and discuss various sources they can access for historical research.
2. Participate in group discussions about the relevance of historical studies in today’s world.
3. Share personal experiences related to researching historical topics.

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Evaluation Questions

1. What is a primary source?
2. Name an example of a tertiary source.
3. How do secondary sources differ from primary sources?
4. Why is it important to access a variety of sources in history?
5. What role does history play in understanding modern issues?
6. Explain the concept of authenticity in historical sources.
7. How can one access primary historical sources?
8. Why should we consider the context of a source?
9. Discuss the importance of summarizing historical information.
10. What are the benefits of studying history?

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Conclusion

The teacher goes around to assess students’ understanding and ensure they grasp how to access historical sources and their importance in today’s dynamic world.

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More Useful Links

• Unveiling the Past: Understanding Primary Sources in History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• Understanding Secondary Sources in History Unraveling the Past History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6
• Uncovering History: Identifying Sources for Historical Research History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9