All resources in Primary Source Project: K-5 Working Group

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The Moon

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June 1841, from Robert Merry’s Museum Robert Merry’s Museum children’s magazine (1841-1872) featured works by nearly every 19th century children’s writer. It also excerpted works for adults. Pat Pflieger has indexed several works from the magazine online, and notes that “The Moon”, as a piece, “wanders from lyricism to science to speculation as it explores the effects of the moon on earth, and, evidently, on the human imagination”.

Material Type: Primary Source, Reading

Population Density from the First Census, 1790

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A map of the eastern United States in 1790 showing the western extent of the territories to the Mississippi, and the distribution of European–American population at the time. The map is keyed to show areas of population densities ranging from under 2 inhabitants per square mile to areas with 90 or more inhabitants per square mile.

Material Type: Diagram/Illustration, Primary Source

Drawing of a Raft 02/14/1818

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On February 14, 1818, David Gordon received a patent for his raft design. When a patent is granted, it excludes others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention. This drawing accompanied Gordon’s application.

Material Type: Diagram/Illustration, Primary Source

United States Population Density, 1900

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A map from 1912 of the United States, subtitled "Distribution of Population and Railways in 1900" showing the increase in population and expansion of the railroad network since 1850. The map is color–coded to show population densities ranging from areas with fewer than 2 inhabitants per square mile to areas of 90 or more inhabitants per square mile. Cities with populations over 8,000 are shown with circles proportionate to their populations at the time. The map shows the westward progression of the mean centers of population from 1790 to 1900.

Material Type: Diagram/Illustration, Primary Source

How to Make a Telescope

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Telescopes make distant objects appear nearer, using a combination of lenses and mirrors. If you happen to have no telescopes or binoculars at home, and you can make one yourself! Take note that the images may appear upside down.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Primary Source Instructional Design Toolkit

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This toolkit was developed as part of the Primary Source Project. In creating the toolkit, ISKME collaborated with 12 educators from 8 different states, who possessed varied subject area expertise. The toolkit is a sequenced pathway for selecting informational and non-fiction literary texts, and creating integrated wraparound lessons that meet the Common Core State Standards, as well as the C3 Social Studies Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Material Type: Teaching/Learning Strategy

Authors: Megan Simmons, Cynthia Jimes, Michelle Brennan