FAQ by New Participants

Questions about Primary Sources

What are primary sources?

Primary sources are items from the past that provide evidence about that time. They could be written; like documents, letters and diaries; visual, like paintings, photos and maps; or even objects like furniture or clothing. Primary sources are windows into another place and time.

Why use primary sources?

Using primary sources in teaching helps deepen students' content knowledge, promotes critical thinking and brings learning to life. Through primary source investigations, students can actually experience the journalist's or historian's role and use evidence to make personal and meaningful connections to the past.

Questions about our Workshops

Are there any prerequisites for the TPS workshops?

No. The introductory level workshop, Essentials Exploration, is where you will learn to navigate the Library of Congress website and how to find primary sources for use in your classroom. Once you have completed this workshop, you are then eligible to participate in any of the other workshops offered.

Can you come out to our school?

Yes. We work with schools and districts to bring the Essentials Exploration workshop all over Colorado and Wyoming. All you have to do is contact us at primary.sources@unco.edu or call 970-351-1555 to schedule a workshop in your area.

Can I earn incentives for my classroom?

Absolutely! Participants can win smaller incentives like water bottles, posters, lanyards and resource books as door prizes at all workshops. After completing Essentials Exploration, participants earn points toward larger classroom technology tools such as projectors and Interwrite pads.