Source Scenario Sort

This practical social studies worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 strengthen analytical thinking and research skills by applying their understanding of primary and secondary sources to real-world situations. As students read short scenarios describing how information is used for learning or research, they determine whether each source represents firsthand evidence or an interpretation, reinforcing accurate use of source terminology.

Learning Goals

• Identifying Source Types (Grades 4-6): Classify sources as primary or secondary based on how the information was created.
• Applying Definitions to Scenarios: Use provided definitions to analyze realistic examples.
• Historical Thinking & Inquiry: Understand how different source types are used in research and learning.
• Critical Reasoning Skills: Make informed decisions by evaluating context and purpose.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource: Designed by educators to align with upper elementary social studies and ELA standards.
• Real-World Application: Helps students see how source analysis applies beyond textbooks.
• Simple, Focused Format: P/S labeling keeps emphasis on reasoning rather than lengthy writing.
• Flexible Classroom Use: Ideal for social studies units, warm-ups, review activities, homework, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students deepen their understanding of primary and secondary sources by applying concepts to everyday scenarios. By practicing source classification in context, learners strengthen research readiness, critical thinking, and confidence in analyzing informational reliability. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this resource provides meaningful practice with source identification, inquiry skills, and evidence-based reasoning.

This worksheet is part of our primary vs. secondary sources worksheets collection.