Finding out about the Finding out about the pastpast

Historians study the written word.Historians study the written word.

Archaeologists study pre-history.Archaeologists study pre-history.

Pre-history is the study of history Pre-history is the study of history before the written word was before the written word was invented.invented.

How can we find How can we find out about the out about the

past?past?List sources of information about List sources of information about

the pastthe past

To find out what everyday objects To find out what everyday objects can tell us about the pastcan tell us about the past

To imagine what archaeologists To imagine what archaeologists might think about the contents of might think about the contents of

my bedroom!my bedroom!

Aims

Sources of evidenceSources of evidence

When historians study the past they use When historians study the past they use two types of evidence: two types of evidence: primaryprimary & & secondarysecondary. .

PrimaryPrimary is evidence that is directly from is evidence that is directly from the time, e.g. an eyewitness account from the time, e.g. an eyewitness account from a soldier who fought in world war one.a soldier who fought in world war one.

SecondarySecondary evidence is an indirect link to evidence is an indirect link to the past. It is produced later and relies the past. It is produced later and relies on earlier evidence, e.g. a history book or on earlier evidence, e.g. a history book or a modern film. a modern film.

Primary or Secondary?Primary or Secondary?

InternetInternet LibrariesLibraries TV & radio TV & radio

programsprograms RelativesRelatives NewspapersNewspapers FilmsFilms SongsSongs ChurchesChurches

Everyday objects Everyday objects in museumsin museums

Clothing and Clothing and costumescostumes

Battle sitesBattle sites Historical Historical

monuments – monuments – castles, country castles, country houses etchouses etc

GraveyardsGraveyards

What can a room tell us What can a room tell us about the past?about the past?

Your taskYour task

In your hardback copy list as many In your hardback copy list as many objects as you can remember in your objects as you can remember in your bedroom.bedroom.

What can these objects tell future What can these objects tell future historians about life today?historians about life today?

Which of these objects is the most Which of these objects is the most useful in finding out about the past?useful in finding out about the past?

HomeworkHomework Finish your task in your hardback copy.Finish your task in your hardback copy.

Answer the following questions.Answer the following questions.

What is a primary source of evidence? Give two What is a primary source of evidence? Give two examples.examples.

What is a secondary source of evidence? Give What is a secondary source of evidence? Give two examplestwo examples

Homework is due on Friday. Homework is due on Friday.