Primary and Secondary Sources

Learn the difference between primary sources (firsthand) and secondary sources (reported).

9 min 3 quiz questions Grade 2

Firsthand vs. Secondhand

If you see a rainbow yourself, that is firsthand experience. If your friend tells you about a rainbow they saw, that is secondhand. Both are useful, but they are different!

Primary Sources

A primary source is original, firsthand information. It comes directly from the person who experienced or created it. Examples include diaries, photographs, original research, and eyewitness accounts.

Primary Source:Original, firsthand information created by someone who directly experienced or witnessed something.

Secondary Sources

A secondary source describes, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources. A textbook that explains a historical event is a secondary source. A documentary about a scientist's discoveries is a secondary source.

Secondary Source:Information that describes or analyzes primary sources, written by someone who did not directly experience the event.

Both Are Valuable

Primary sources give you the original story; secondary sources help you understand and interpret it. Good researchers use both!

Primary: a letter written by Abraham Lincoln
Secondary: a biography of Abraham Lincoln
Primary: a scientist's original research paper
Secondary: a news article about that research

Ready to test your knowledge?

3 questions · Grade 2 level

Information All Around Us Facts vs. Opinions