iCivics Education

New Exploring Primary Sources Mini-Site Offers Free Primary Source Teaching Tools

New Exploring Primary Sources Mini-Site Offers Free Primary Source Teaching Tools

Primary sources get students closer to historical events and offer varying perspectives that spark inquiry, discussion and deeper learning. 

iCivics’ Exploring Primary Sources website, supported by a grant from the Library of Congress, is an exciting new resource for K–12 educators and their students. By using the website, you will:

  • Discover innovative, free products from iCivics and our partners that offer interactive, engaging learning experiences with primary sources
  • Build your knowledge, skills and confidence teaching with primary sources with our collection of professional development videos
  • Simplify lesson planning with this curated collection of high-quality primary source tools, including iCivics’ DBQuest, Eagle Eye Citizen, Engaging Congress, History’s Mysteries: Historical Inquiry for Elementary Classrooms, Journalism in Action, KidCitizen, and Voices for Suffrag

Primary sources take students beyond the textbook and help them see the past (and present) in new ways. We’re excited to help make primary sources more accessible to you and your students.

Explore more from the educator blog

Educator Shari Conditt with quote, "Students can watch the law develop in real time."
Shari uses Supreme Court cases to help students understand the interpretation of laws

As an English teacher, I approach civics through the lens of language. One of the most memorable moments I’ve experienced teaching rhetoric happened during a lesson on the Declaration of Independence. I’d taught the document before, but as part of the Civic Star Challenge, I decided to shift my approach.

Educator Eman Lachica with quote, "My classroom felt like a workshop on critical thinking and persuasion."
Eman teaches the Declaration through rhetorical analysis

As an English teacher, I approach civics through the lens of language. One of the most memorable moments I’ve experienced teaching rhetoric happened during a lesson on the Declaration of Independence. I’d taught the document before, but as part of the Civic Star Challenge, I decided to shift my approach.

Laura Sparks Students’ Interest in the Constitution with a Scavenger Hunt

Sometimes it only takes 30 minutes to set the stage for an entire school year. When I introduced the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to my 8th graders, they were overwhelmed. Some of them even looked like they wanted to give up before we really began. Honestly, I could