Uncovering History: Understanding Primary Sources

Subject: History

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 5

Age: 11 – 12 years

Topic: Primary Sources in History

Sub-topic: Origin, Importance, and Examples of Primary Sources

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Explain what Primary Sources in History are.
2. Mention the origin, examples, and features of primary sources in History.
3. Relate the significance of Primary Sources in History to historical development today.
4. Explain the merits and demerits of primary sources in History.

Keywords:

• Primary Sources
• Oral Tradition
• Artifacts
• Archaeology
• Eyewitness Accounts

Set Induction:

The teacher begins by showing students an old photograph of a significant historical event and asks, “How do we know this event happened?” After receiving responses, the teacher introduces the concept of Primary Sources as direct evidence of past events.

Entry Behavior:

Students have previously learned about sources of History in general and understand that historians use different materials to study the past.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Pictures of artifacts
• Recordings of oral stories
• Sample documents like old letters or diaries
• Photos of historical events

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students already know about sources of History and have encountered some examples in their daily lives (e.g., stories from elders or family heirlooms).

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical reasoning
• Communication

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 1
• Photos and recordings of primary sources

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History JSS 1
• “A Short Introduction to Nigerian History” by E.F. Nweke

Instructional Materials:

• Old photographs or documents
• Archaeological artifacts or replicas
• Recordings of oral traditions

Content:

Primary Sources in History

Definition of Primary Sources

Primary sources in History are original materials or evidence from the time being studied. They are firsthand accounts, objects, or documents created by individuals who directly experienced the events.

Origin of Primary Sources in History

Primary sources originate from the time or people involved in historical events. They provide direct evidence and are created during the period being studied.

Examples of Primary Sources

1. Oral Sources
   • Oral traditions such as legends, folktales, dress culture, dance steps, music, poems, and proverbs.
   • Oral evidence from witnesses, such as the 2019 Nigerian General Elections or the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
2. Physical History (Archaeology)
   • Archaeological materials or artifacts, such as pottery, bronze objects, iron implements, and weaving looms.
3. Written Documents
   • Letters, diaries, government records, or eyewitness reports.

 Features of Primary Sources

• Firsthand Information: They provide direct evidence or testimony from the event.
• Originality: Primary sources are created during the time being studied, without secondary interpretation.
• Variety of Forms: They can be oral, physical, or written.

Importance of Primary Sources in Historical Development

1. Accurate Representation: They offer a true reflection of events as seen or experienced by those present.
2. Cultural Insight: They help us understand the customs, beliefs, and ways of life of people from the past.
3. Foundation for Historians: Primary sources are essential for accurate historical writing and research.

Merits and Demerits of Primary Sources

Merits:

• Authenticity: They provide the most accurate and direct information.
• Detail: Primary sources often contain in-depth and personal insights.
• Uniqueness: They offer unique perspectives not found in secondary sources.

Demerits:

• Bias: Primary sources may reflect the personal opinions or biases of the creator.
• Limited Scope: They may only represent one viewpoint or area of experience.
• Preservation Issues: Physical artifacts and documents can be lost or damaged over time.

Presentation

Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic

The teacher reviews the previous lesson on “Sources of History” and asks students to recall different types of sources (oral, written, and archaeological).

Step 2: Introducing the New Topic

The teacher explains that today’s lesson will focus on Primary Sources, which are firsthand accounts or objects from the past, such as oral traditions, artifacts, and eyewitness reports.

Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute

The teacher asks students to give examples of primary sources they may have encountered, such as family heirlooms or stories passed down from grandparents. The teacher listens to their answers and corrects any misunderstandings.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Define primary sources in History.
2. Discuss the origin and significance of primary sources.
3. Display pictures of artifacts and oral traditions from Nigerian history.
4. Lead students in discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using primary sources.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Identify examples of primary sources from their own experience.
2. Discuss the importance of primary sources in understanding history.
3. Examine the merits and demerits of primary sources in small groups.
4. Answer questions and participate in discussions about historical development.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a primary source?
2. Name two examples of primary sources.
3. What is the origin of primary sources in History?
4. Mention one merit of primary sources.
5. State one demerit of primary sources.
6. Give two examples of oral primary sources.
7. What are archaeological materials?
8. Why are primary sources important in history?
9. Mention one feature of primary sources.
10. How do primary sources help historians?

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What are primary sources in History?
   Primary sources are original materials from the time being studied, like eyewitness reports or artifacts.
2. What are oral sources?
   Oral sources are stories, traditions, or accounts told by people, such as folklores or music.
3. What are physical artifacts?
   Physical artifacts are items from the past like pottery or tools that help us understand historical events.
4. Why are primary sources important?
   They provide accurate and firsthand evidence of what happened in the past.
5. Can oral sources be primary sources?
   Yes, oral stories and accounts can be considered primary sources if they come from witnesses or participants.
6. What is an example of a primary source in Nigeria?
   An example would be the oral accounts of the 2019 Nigerian General Elections.
7. What are the advantages of primary sources?
   They provide authentic and detailed information.
8. What are the disadvantages of primary sources?
   They may be biased or difficult to preserve over time.
9. What is archaeology?
   Archaeology is the study of past human life through physical objects, like pottery or tools.
10. Why should we preserve primary sources?
    They are vital for understanding our past and teaching future generations.

Conclusion:

The teacher moves around the classroom, checking students’ notes and offering feedback. The teacher concludes by emphasizing the value of primary sources in helping us learn about and understand the past.

More Useful Links

• The Definition, Father of Objective History, Importance of History, and Country of Origin
• Unveiling the Past: Exploring the Differences Between History and Storytelling
• Discovering the Sources of History