Research Learning Modules

Learn the research process using this series of self-paced lessons. Each lesson guides you step-by-step as you practice important research skills. You will learn to define and analyze sources, how to write a solid thesis statement, and ultimately understand how to create a research project.

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Module 1: Using Primary and Secondary Sources

Learn the difference between a primary source and a secondary source, and identify examples of each type.

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Jasmine and Omar sitting in the library at a desk with books and a laptop

Module 2: Analyzing Primary Documents

Learn how to examine primary sources, especially photographs, by making observations, taking time to reflect, and asking questions about the source.

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Max sitting at a laptop with a black and white photo of child miners on the screen

Module 3: Writing a Thesis Statement

Learn how to develop an argument, or thesis statement, which serves as the basis of your research project.

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Jasmine standing in a library holding a book and tablet

Module 4: Creating a Research Project

Learn how to organize your research into an outline and discover five creative formats for your research project.

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Jasmine sitting in a library pointing to a photo of Harriet Tubman in a book she is holding

Module 5: Digging for Historical Sources

Learn how to find great historical sources for your research project.

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Jasmine and Zoe sitting in the library with a tablet

Module 6: Evaluating Sources

Learn how to evaluate historical documents by asking five simple questions.

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Jasmine and Josh sitting at a table with a laptop

Module 7: Using Primary Sources as Evidence

Learn how to analyze primary sources and use sources as evidence to make a claim about a historical topic.

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Jasmine, Zoe, and Josh standing in the library

Module 8: How to Cite the Right Way

Learn about plagiarism, and the correct way to cite sources for a research project.

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Module 9: Analyzing Political Cartoons

Learn how to analyze political cartoons and to identify persuasive techniques used by cartoonists.

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Module 10: Analyzing Charts, Graphs, and Tables

Learn how to analyze historical charts, graphs, and tables and to recognize how they are used to share different perspectives.

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Module 11: Annotated Bibliography

Learn how to write a Chicago-style annotated bibliography.

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Module 12: Media Literacy and Bias

Learn how to analyze historic and modern media for signs of bias.

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Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress, Maryland Humanities and MPT developed the Teaching with Primary Sources Inquiry Kits and Research Learning Modules to support K-12 educators and students.

The MSDE Social Studies Department is committed to providing materials and professional development to teachers to assist them in teaching primary source analysis and in providing authentic, project-based assessments to students.