Promote a deeper understanding of history, and explore government and civic life using Library of Congress primary sources. Engage students with primary sources to promote student inquiry and evidence-based reasoning, and apply critical thinking and analysis skills to historical materials.
Explore theme-based Inquiry Kits that feature thinking questions, primary and secondary sources, and document analysis tools to help you analyze historical materials from the Library of Congress.
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Inquiry Kits
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Teacher Resources
Learn the research process through a series of self-paced student modules. Practice historical thinking skills, analyze sources, make evidence-based conclusions, and create research projects.
Explore American history through voices and songs of everyday people. The Library of Congress (LOC) Mixtape podcast engages students in inquiry-based study of audio primary sources reflecting music and experiences of communities across the United States.
Go to LOC Mixtape
Use music as a primary source to engage high school students in historical inquiry. A People’s Playlist: U.S. History with Music as a Primary Source is a turnkey, full-year, arts-integrated U.S. History II course spanning Reconstruction to 9/11.
Go to A People's Playlist
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Take a challenge, gather evidence, and make your case! Think like a detective as you explore 20 civics-related topics. Analyze primary sources for evidence, and build your case in Case Maker's presentation mode.
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Case Maker
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Making the Case PD Module
Create a new Broadway musical hit that celebrates the power of ordinary citizens in creating change. Students practice document analysis, use historical thinking skills, and engage their creativity as they produce a show based on true events.
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Civics! An American Musical
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Civics Backstage PD Module
Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Program to find classroom materials and professional development resources to help teachers effectively use sources from the Library's digital collection.
Use the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool to help you analyze and investigate historical documents and primary sources and record responses.