Primary sources, simulations and peanut butter and jelly

Purpose This paper seeks to provide instructional methods for using simulations to teach primary and secondary sources within a social studies classroom. Classroom simulations provide students with authentic opportunities to engage in meaningful learning experiences that are both hands-on in nature and promote the use of critical thinking. Design/methodology/approach This paper opted to describe an approach to teach students about primary and secondary sources through a classroom simulation. Step-by-step instruction was provided via an included table, so that readers can recreate the lesson in their own classrooms. Findings This paper offers insights about how simulations can be used to provide students an authentic experience with primary and secondary sources. These experiences include opportunities to critically think about the benefits and limitations that both primary and secondary sources offer students while engaging in historical inquiry. Practical implications This paper is designed for teachers to utilize and replicate in their own social studies classrooms. Originality/value This paper recognizes the important role that primary and secondary sources have in the social studies classroom. Through an original approach, using simulations, the authors present a unique perspective on how to teach about primary and secondary sources in a manner that supports historical inquiry.