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Introduction to Using Primary Sources: Analyzing and Interpreting Collections

What are Collections?

Collections are sets of documents, objects, photographs, etc. that are gathered together. Museums, archives and libraries accept collections from individuals, groups and businesses to preserve for the future and make available to writers, researchers and the public.

> Dateline History Activity

PowerPoint

Link to the Powerpoint for this activity

In 1902, Buckeye Malleable Iron and Coupler Company decided to expand to meet the increasing demand for standardized steel parts for railroad cars. Because of limited (and expensive) real estate in the downtown area, Buckeye decided to build its new plant just south of the Columbus Ohio city limits, taking advantage of existing railroad lines, in a neighborhood that would become known as Steelton. The company would soon change its name to the Buckeye Steel Castings Company.
Alright, Scoop. You’ve just been handed the biggest assignment of your life…The cover!!! of Harper’s Weekly. Your crack staff has sent you some research. Look carefully through it in order to write your exposé on Buckeye Steel Castings.
What’s it like to work there?
What is the impact on the neighborhood and the city?
Your readers want to know!

 

Ohio Social Studies Academic Content Standards

History 3-5

  • Benchmark C: Explain how new developments led to the growth of the United States.
  • Grade 3, GLI 3: Describe changes in the community over time including changes in:
    • a. Businesses;
    • b. Architecture;
    • c. Physical features;
    • d. Employment;
    • e. Education;
    • f. Transportation;
    • g. Technology;
    • h. Religion;
    • i. Recreation.

People in Societies 3-5

  • Benchmark B: Explain the reasons people from various culture groups came to North America and the consequences of their interactions with each other.
  • Grade 4, GLI 3. Explain the reasons people came to Ohio including:
    • a. Opportunities in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

Social Studies Skills and Methods 3-5

  • Benchmark A: Obtain information from a variety of primary and secondary sources using component parts of the source.
  • Grade 4, GLI 3: Use primary and secondary sources to answer questions about Ohio history.
  • Grade 4, GLI 4: Describe how archaeologists and historians study and interpret the past.
  • Benchmark B: Use a variety of sources to organize information and draw inferences.
  • Grade 5, GLI 5: Compare points of agreement and disagreement among sources.
  • Grade 5, GLI 6: Draw inferences from relevant information.

 

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