Exploring History: Understanding Tertiary Sources

Subject: History

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 8

Age: 11 – 12 years

Topic: Tertiary Sources in History

Sub-topic: Definition, Examples, and Importance of Tertiary Sources

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Describe tertiary sources in History.
2. Mention examples, features, and significance of tertiary sources in History.
3. Explain how tertiary sources in History are obtained.
4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tertiary sources in History.

Keywords:

• Tertiary Sources
• Historical Summary
• Encyclopedias
• Databases
• Reference Books

Set Induction:

The teacher holds up an encyclopedia and asks, “What kind of source is this? How do you think it is different from the textbooks we use or other historical sources?” After students respond, the teacher introduces the concept of Tertiary Sources, which compile and summarize information from secondary and primary sources.

Entry Behaviour:

Students have learned about primary and secondary sources in previous lessons and can identify basic examples of both types.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Encyclopedias
• Dictionaries
• Historical databases (online or printed)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have already studied primary and secondary sources. This lesson connects to that by introducing tertiary sources, which gather information from primary and secondary materials.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Research skills
• Information synthesis

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History JSS 1
• Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and reference books

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History JSS 1
• “Comprehensive History Textbook for Junior Secondary Schools” by J.A. Bamgbose

Instructional Materials:

• Encyclopedias
• History reference books
• Historical databases

Content:

Tertiary Sources in History

Definition of Tertiary Sources

Tertiary sources in History are materials that compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources. These sources do not provide firsthand accounts or analysis but offer overviews and summaries for quick reference.

Examples of Tertiary Sources

1. Encyclopedias: Collections of summarized information on various topics.
2. Dictionaries: Provide definitions of historical terms and concepts.
3. Historical Databases: Online or printed collections of historical records that are categorized for easy access.
4. Indexes: Lists of information from primary and secondary sources, helping researchers find data quickly.
5. Almanacs: Annual publications that provide statistical data and summaries on different historical events.

Features of Tertiary Sources

1. Summarized Information: Tertiary sources provide brief summaries of data.
2. Organized for Reference: These sources are designed for easy look-up of information.
3. No Original Research: They compile existing information but do not introduce new data.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: Tertiary sources cover a wide range of topics or periods, making them useful for quick reviews.
5. Accessibility: Often easier to access and use than primary or secondary sources.

Significance of Tertiary Sources in Historical Research

1. Easy Reference: Tertiary sources allow for quick access to summarized data.
2. Broad Overview: They provide a general understanding of historical events or topics.
3. Useful for Beginners: Students and new researchers can easily start with tertiary sources before diving into more detailed studies.
4. Resource for Other Studies: Tertiary sources often lead students to relevant primary and secondary materials.

Advantages of Tertiary Sources

1. Quick Access to Information: Tertiary sources are useful for finding facts quickly.
2. Organized and Easy to Use: Information is neatly arranged, making it simple to locate data.
3. Covers Many Topics: A single tertiary source may cover many historical events, periods, or figures.

Disadvantages of Tertiary Sources

1. Lack of Depth: Tertiary sources only provide summaries and may leave out important details.
2. No New Information: They do not contribute new research or firsthand information.
3. May Contain Outdated Information: Some tertiary sources might not be updated frequently, leading to reliance on outdated data.

Presentation

Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic

The teacher reviews the differences between primary and secondary sources, asking students to give examples and explain their uses in History.

Step 2: Introducing the New Topic

The teacher explains that Tertiary Sources are the next level of historical sources, and they combine both primary and secondary sources into one, making it easy for students and researchers to quickly get information.

Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute

The teacher asks students to share any tertiary sources they have used before, such as encyclopedias or dictionaries. After listening, the teacher provides further clarification and more examples.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Define tertiary sources and explain their features.
2. Display examples of tertiary sources, like encyclopedias and dictionaries.
3. Guide students in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of tertiary sources.
4. Encourage students to contribute their understanding and experience with tertiary sources.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Identify and describe examples of tertiary sources from their experience.
2. Work in pairs or small groups to compare primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using tertiary sources in History.
4. Participate in a class discussion about how tertiary sources can be used for research.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What are tertiary sources in History?
2. Give two examples of tertiary sources.
3. Name one feature of tertiary sources.
4. Why are tertiary sources important in historical research?
5. Mention one advantage of tertiary sources.
6. State one disadvantage of tertiary sources.
7. What is an encyclopedia used for?
8. How do tertiary sources differ from primary sources?
9. Give an example of a reference book that is a tertiary source.
10. What is the purpose of an almanac in historical research?
11. What type of information can you find in a dictionary used in History?
12. Name a feature of tertiary sources that makes them easy to use.
13. Why might tertiary sources contain outdated information?
14. How can tertiary sources help beginners in research?
15. What is a historical database, and how is it used?

Class Activity Discussion: 

1. What are tertiary sources in History?
   Tertiary sources summarize and compile information from primary and secondary sources.
2. What is an example of a tertiary source?
   An encyclopedia is a good example of a tertiary source.
3. Why are tertiary sources useful?
   They provide quick, easy access to summarized information.
4. How are tertiary sources different from secondary sources?
   Secondary sources analyze primary sources, while tertiary sources summarize both primary and secondary sources.
5. What is a dictionary used for in History?
   A dictionary helps define historical terms and concepts.
6. What are the advantages of tertiary sources?
   They are organized, easy to use, and cover many topics.
7. What are the disadvantages of tertiary sources?
   They lack depth and do not provide new information.
8. Can tertiary sources be trusted for in-depth research?
   Tertiary sources are good for quick reference, but not for in-depth research.
9. What type of information does an almanac provide?
   An almanac gives annual statistics and summaries on various topics.
10. Why are tertiary sources important for students?
    They help students understand basic facts quickly before exploring more detailed studies.
11. How do tertiary sources help researchers?
    They provide a broad overview and often point researchers to more detailed primary and secondary sources.
12. Why is an index a tertiary source?
    It organizes and lists information from primary and secondary sources.
13. Is a history textbook a tertiary source?
    No, a history textbook is a secondary source because it provides analysis and interpretation of primary sources.
14. What is the difference between a historical database and a textbook?
    A historical database organizes records, while a textbook provides interpretations of those records.
15. Why are tertiary sources not as reliable as primary sources?
    They do not provide firsthand accounts and may omit key details.

Objective Questions:

1. Tertiary sources in History are materials that ______ and summarize information from primary and secondary sources.
   a) analyze
   b) compile
   c) discard
   d) create
2. An example of a tertiary source is a(n) ______.
   a) biography
   b) encyclopedia
   c) diary
   d) letter
3. Tertiary sources do not contain ______ research.
   a) new
   b) old
   c) fake
   d) copied
4. Tertiary sources are mainly used for ______ reference.
   a) long
   b) short
   c) quick
   d) detailed
5. The ______ is an annual publication that provides statistical data.
   a) dictionary
   b) almanac
   c) textbook
   d) essay
6. A ______ is a tertiary source that provides meanings and explanations of words.
   a) journal
   b) dictionary
   c) memoir
   d) thesis
7. Tertiary sources are helpful for ______ researchers and students.
   a) new
   b) advanced
   c) professional
   d) retired
8. Tertiary sources gather information from ______ and secondary sources.
   a) primary
   b) fictional
   c) fabricated
   d) imaginary
9. A disadvantage of tertiary sources is that they lack ______.
   a) pictures
   b) depth
   c) organization
   d) data
10. The collection of books that summarizes various historical events is called ______.
    a) a database
    b) a dictionary
    c) an encyclopedia
    d) a map
11. A ______ provides a list of articles and books from which information can be accessed.
    a) thesis
    b) index
    c) biography
    d) journal
12. Tertiary sources may become ______ if not updated frequently.
    a) irrelevant
    b) modern
    c) outdated
    d) useful
13. A ______ is a tertiary source that lists information to help researchers find data quickly.
    a) database
    b) diary
    c) newspaper
    d) journal
14. A tertiary source provides a ______ of historical events.
    a) personal view
    b) deep analysis
    c) broad overview
    d) primary account
15. A ______ helps students quickly understand a historical concept or event.
    a) primary source
    b) tertiary source
    c) photograph
    d) speech

Conclusion:

The teacher walks around the classroom, checking students’ responses and providing feedback. The teacher emphasizes that tertiary sources are valuable for quick access to historical data but should be complemented by primary and secondary sources for deeper understanding.

More Useful Links

• Discovering the Sources of History
• Uncovering History: Understanding Primary Sources
• Analyzing History: Understanding Secondary Sources