Primary Sources

A primary source provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art. Primary sources include historical and legal documents, eyewitness accounts, results of experiments, statistical data, pieces of creative writing, audio and video recordings, speeches, and art objects.

Here are examples of original, first-hand, authoritative accounts known as Primary Sources:

Letters, diaries or journals
(Personal thoughts)

Original photographs

First-hand newspaper reports

Speeches, autobiographies
or memoirs

Creative works like plays,
paintings and songs

Research data and surveys

Here are some links to primary sources:
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/index.html
Introductory information for teachers & students on what primary sources are, why we use them, and how to cite them.

http://geoalliance.asu.edu/maps
Great resource for maps especially for primary students. You can search for maps by the following: World, Regions, Countries, US & SW US, Arizona, Historical, Grades 1-4

http://www.religionfacts.com/big-religion-chart.
Great to use with older students who are learning about world religions. This can also be used for research on a particular religion or comparing religions.

Research 101 for Junior High
Click on Image of Ithaca Library to learn about: Primary vs. Secondary Resources, Serials, Books, Visual and Audio Materials, Archival Material, Government Documents, Tertiary Sources, Examples, Video, When in Doubt.