An artifact, a document, diary, manuscript, autobiography, a recording, or any other source of information that was created at the time under study
What is a primary source
100
Benjamin Franklin founded the first fire insurance company in America
What is false; he founded the first fire insurance company in Philadelphia
100
George Washington chopped down his fathers Cherry Tree
What is false; he did not cut down the tree. This was a false story created by one of Washington's first biographers-- Mason Locke Weems
200
Information that was created later by someone who did not experience first-hand or participate in the events or conditions you're researching
What is a secondary source
200
Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation as a means of advancing the Union Army
What is true; he did not write the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves
200
Benjamin Franklin conducted the kite and key experiment
What is false; he discussed the experiment but did not follow through with it; he would have been struck by lightening and possibly killed
300
Documentaries, videos, newspaper articles
What is an acceptable form of sources
300
Benjamin Franklin invented swimmies
What is true
300
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.
What is false; this is the date it was ratified. It was (mostly) signed August 2nd, some members signed at a later date, while two never signed at all.
400
To determine if what you are reading is fact or fiction- anyone can write anything on the internet
To avoid plagiarism and give credit to other researchers whos ideas you use
To avoid spreading historical misinformation
What are reasons that sources are important
400
Jackie Robinson was the first African American player in Major League Baseball
What is false; Moses Fleetwood Walker was
400
Betsy Ross did NOT design the American Flag
What is true; there is no evidence to prove Betsy Ross designed the flag; and she never claimed to have. However, she was commissioned to create the flag (stitch, sew, etc)
500
You should never double check the information you find from sources
What is false; you should always check the information you are using is appropriate and true, no matter the source
500
George Washington's dentures were made out of wood.
What is false; they were made out of human, cow, and horse teeth, as well as ivory, silver alloy, and possibly brass.
500
Viking Warriors commonly wore horned helmets
What is false; there is little evidence to prove that Vikings wore horned helmets day to day (one exception; a very rare ceremony in which they may have worn them)