Earthquake Case Study

This in-depth social studies worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 strengthen historical inquiry, source analysis, and evidence-based reasoning skills through a realistic research scenario. After reading a case study about a student investigating the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, learners identify and evaluate multiple source types-including letters, photographs, textbooks, and documentaries-classifying each as primary or secondary and explaining their reasoning.

Learning Goals

• Evaluating Historical Sources (Grades 4-6): Classify research materials as primary or secondary using clear criteria.
• Understanding Perspectives in History: Analyze how different source types provide unique viewpoints and levels of detail.
• Interpreting Informational Text: Extract relevant information from a case-study narrative.
• Evidence-Based Reasoning: Support classifications with logical explanations grounded in definitions and context.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource: Designed by educators to align with upper elementary social studies and ELA standards.
• Multi-Source Analysis: Helps students see how historians combine evidence to build understanding.
• Promotes Critical Reasoning: Encourages justification rather than simple labeling.
• Flexible Classroom Use: Ideal for history units, guided practice, homework, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students develop a deeper understanding of how historical knowledge is constructed from multiple sources. By evaluating evidence related to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, learners strengthen critical thinking, research readiness, and comprehension of historical inquiry. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this resource provides meaningful practice with source evaluation, informational reading, and evidence-based analysis.

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