Source Sleuth
Hands-On Chapter Project ~ WHAT DOES A HISTORIAN DO?
Chapter One is all about how to Historians conduct proper research. Today we are
researching the leadership of GENGHIS KHAN. We must find valid information so that
we can make an informed decision about what kind of leader he was.
My Task List for Website #1: http://listverse.com/2012/top-10-evil-people-from-ancient-times/
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine the reliability of the source, and document your
answers.
a. Is this a primary or secondary source?
b. Does the information contain facts or opinions?
c. Why do you think the author wrote the article? What was his/her purpose?
d. Who is the author? Is it evident who the author is and are his/her credentials easily verified? (This
means is he an expert in any way on the subject?)
e. If the article is on the Internet, what is the home page? Is it a credible source?
f. When was the article published? When was the website last updated?
g. Does the writing seem balanced or does it contain bias toward one point of view?
Below, document evidence of reliability, bias, and credibility.
ALL LINKS ARE FOUND ON OUR CLASS
WEBSITE!!!
Source Evaluation:
Type of Source (check one)—
 Primary
 Secondary
– Mrs. Peters 
Point of View/Writing (check one)—
 Biased
(Point of View: ___________________)
 Balanced (means Unbiased)
Credibility/Reliability (check one)—
 Yes
 No
Why do you think this is reliable or not? Explain…
1
Website #1: http://listverse.com/2012/top-10-evil-people-from-ancient-times/ (our example from class)
#1 Genghis Khan
He was Khan of the Mongolian Empire from 1206 to 1227. In that time he conquered most
of China and all the land through the Caspian Sea. He was ruthless, vengeful, cruel, and
bloodthirsty. He and his army destroyed countless numbers of cities, solders, civilians and
children. People were killed by having molten metal and silver poured into their eyes and
ears. In one massacre alone, 700,000 people were killed. At another place, the poor were
decapitated and the rich were tortured to find out where their treasure was. Women were
sometimes tortured in front of their families. Hundreds of thousands had their lives ruined.
It is said that if his army of men had no water they would cut a horse’s vein and drink its
blood. He would use people as human shields. Hundreds of thousands became slaves.
He would order you to be killed immediately if you were an enemy, if you betrayed him or
if you were disloyal to him. Genghis and his army killed 20 to 60 million people. He killed
three-fourths of the population of the Iranian Plateau, which was 10 to 15 million. He also
killed his brother at age 13 just because his brother had stolen a fish from him. Genghis
Khan once said “The greatest happiness is to scatter your enemy to drive him before you,
to see his cities reduced to ashes, to see those who love him shrouded in tears, and to
gather into your arms his wives and daughters.” Genghis Khan died of natural causes in
1227.
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My Task List for Website #2:
https://www.fi.edu/sites/default/files/EducatorGuides_GenghisKhanEducatorsGuide.pdf (page 7 ONLY,
titled “Who Was Genghis Khan?”)
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine the reliability of the source, and document your
answers.
a. Is this a primary or secondary source?
b. Does the information contain facts or opinions?
c. Why do you think the author wrote the article? What was his/her purpose?
d. Who is the author? Is it evident who the author is and are his/her credentials easily verified? (This
means is he an expert in any way on the subject?)
e. If the article is on the Internet, what is the home page? Is it a credible source?
f. When was the article published? When was the website last updated?
g. Does the writing seem balanced or does it contain bias toward one point of view?
Below, document evidence of reliability, bias, and credibility.
Source Evaluation:
Type of Source (check one)—
 Primary
 Secondary
Point of View/Writing (check one)—
 Biased
(Point of View: ___________________)
 Balanced (means Unbiased)
Credibility/Reliability (check one)—
 Yes
 No
Why do you think this is reliable or not? Explain…
3
Website #2: From www.fi.edu (see full website on previous page)
WHO WAS GENGHIS KHAN?
Mysterious and Misunderstood: The Epic True Story of Genghis Khan (1162–1227 CE) Genghis Khan—founder of the
largest contiguous land empire the world has ever seen—is one of history’s immortals. His military legacy endured for
centuries, and some of his civic improvements are still in use today. Time magazine and The Washington Post both
named Genghis Khan “the most important person of the last millennium.” But how much do we really know about this
man? How did this illiterate, unsophisticated warrior-nomad have such a profound effect on world politics that his
influence can still be felt more than 800 years later? The story of how this extraordinary man from a remote corner of
Asia created an empire that led the world into the modern age is an enduring epic tale.
A Difficult Childhood Filled with Misfortune Helps Shape the Future Leader Born Temüjin, Genghis Khan grew up amid
the harsh landscape of Mongolia, in a world of tribal violence, kidnapping, murder, and enslavement. His father was
murdered when Genghis Khan was just nine. His family, abandoned by their tribe, was left to survive extreme poverty,
forcing Genghis Khan to learn survival, ambition, determination, and cruelty. His difficult childhood, as well as his
nomadic heritage, helped shape him as a leader.
Ambitious, Strategic Young Adult Unites Mongolia While still a teenager, Genghis Khan united the separate, warring
Mongol clans and together they began to conquer other nomadic tribes. Conquering these rivals was a struggle, but the
young, charismatic leader’s ability to form alliances and motivate his warriors eventually led to victory. Genghis Khan’s
battle skills grew. He incorporated defeated warriors into his own army, usually killing their leaders first. He rewarded
loyalty rather than honoring bloodlines. After many years, he was able to unite the tribes, forming the first unified
Mongol nation.
Genghis Khan and His Descendants Conquer Half the Known World Genghis Khan led a series of major military
campaigns, each one enlarging his territories beyond his homeland, south into China and west into Iran. The Mongol war
machine featured a ruthless leader, loyal officers, and fierce warriors, coupled with tight organization, swift movement,
and brilliantly coordinated tactics. It was nearly impossible to defeat. As a result of these conquests, unprecedented
trade and cultural exchanges followed.
Mystery Burial Ground Genghis Khan died during a military campaign—or, in the words of the Mongols, for whom
mention of death or illness is taboo, he “ascended into heaven.” His soldiers escorted the body back to his homeland for
a secret burial without a mausoleum, temple, pyramid, or tombstone to mark the place where he lay. According to
legend, all the soldiers and laborers involved with his burial were killed to keep its location secret. The location of the
site remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries.
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My Task List for Website #3: http://www.ducksters.com/biography/world_leaders/genghis_khan.php
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine the reliability of the source, and document your
answers.
a. Is this a primary or secondary source?
b. Does the information contain facts or opinions?
c. Why do you think the author wrote the article? What was his/her purpose?
d. Who is the author? Is it evident who the author is and are his/her credentials easily verified? (This
means is he an expert in any way on the subject?)
e. If the article is on the Internet, what is the home page? Is it a credible source?
f. When was the article published? When was the website last updated?
g. Does the writing seem balanced or does it contain bias toward one point of view?
Below, document evidence of reliability, bias, and credibility.
Source Evaluation:
Type of Source (check one)—
 Primary
 Secondary
Point of View/Writing (check one)—
 Biased
(Point of View: ___________________)
 Balanced (means Unbiased)
Credibility/Reliability (check one)—
 Yes
 No
Why do you think this is reliable or not? Explain…
5
Website #3: http://www.ducksters.com/biography/world_leaders/genghis_khan.php

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


Occupation: Supreme Khan of the Mongols
Reign: 1206 to 1227
Born: 1162
Died: 1227
Best known for: Founder of the Mongol Empire
Biography:
Early Life
Genghis Khan grew up on the harsh cold plains of Mongolia. His name as a boy was Temujin, which meant
"finest steel". His father, Yesugai, was the khan (like a chief) of their tribe. Even though life was difficult,
Temujin enjoyed his childhood years. He rode horses from a young age and enjoyed hunting with his brothers.
Married
When Temujin was only nine years old he was sent to live with the tribe of his future wife, Borte. However,
after a few years, Temujin discovered that his father had been poisoned by some enemy Tartars. He returned
to his home tribe to become the khan.
Betrayed
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Upon returning home, Temujin discovered that his family had been betrayed. Another warrior took up the role
as khan and kicked Temujin and his family from the tribe. They barely survived by themselves. Temujin was
not one to give up, however. He helped his family to survive the first horrible winter and then began to plot his
revenge on the Tartars for killing his father.
Building an Army
Over the next several years Temujin began to build up his own tribe. He married Borte and formed an alliance
with her tribe. He was a fierce and brutal fighter and became admired by many of the Mongols for his courage.
His army of warriors continued to grow until he had a large enough fighting force to take on the Tartars.
Revenge on the Tartars
When Temujin finally fought the Tartars, he showed no mercy. He decimated their army and executed their
leaders. He then began to conquer his enemy Mongol tribes. He knew the Mongols needed to unite. After
conquering his greatest enemies, the other Mongol tribes agreed to ally and follow Temujin. They named him
Genghis Khan or "ruler of all".
A Brilliant General
Genghis was a brilliant general. He organized his soldiers into groups of 1000 called "gurans". They trained
each day on battlefield tactics and used smoke signals, flags, and drums to send messages quickly throughout
the army. His soldiers were well-armed and were taught to fight and ride horses from a young age. They could
control their horses using only their legs and fire deadly arrows while riding at full speed. He also used
innovative tactics on the battlefield. Sometimes he would send in a small force and the have them retreat.
When the enemy charged after the smaller force they would soon find themselves surrounded by a horde of
Mongol warriors.
Leader
Genghis Khan was a strong leader. He was cruel and murderous to his enemies, but loyal to those who
followed him. He introduced a written code of law called the Yasak. He promoted the soldiers who performed
regardless of their background. He even expected his own sons to perform if they wanted to be leaders.
Conquests
After uniting the Mongol tribes, Genghis turned to the rich lands of the south. He first attacked the Xi Xia
people in 1207. It only took him two years to conquer the Xi Xia and get them to surrender.
In 1211, Genghis turned to the Jin Dynasty of China. He wanted to exact revenge over these people for their
treatment of the Mongols. By 1215 he had captured Yanjing (Beijing) the capital city of the Jin and the Mongols
ruled over the northern part of China.
Muslim Lands
Genghis wanted to establish trade with the Muslim lands to the west. He sent a trade delegation there to meet
with their leaders. However, the governor of one of their cities had the men of the delegation killed. Genghis
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was furious. He took up the command of 200,000 warriors and spent the next several years destroying the
cities to the west. He went as far as Eastern Europe destroying everything along the way. He was merciless,
leaving no one alive.
The land to the west was called the Kwarizmian Empire. It was led by the Shah Ala ad-Din Muhammad. The
dynasty was brought to an end in 1221 when Genghis had both the Shah and his son executed.
Death
Genghis returned to China and died in 1227. No one is quite sure how he died, but many people think he was
injured in a fall from his horse. He named his son Ogedei as his successor.
Biography for Kids >> History >> Ancient China
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My Task List for Website #4: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Mongolian-leader-seen-in-new-lightGenghis-Khan-2633227.php
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine the reliability of the source, and document your
answers.
a. Is this a primary or secondary source?
b. Does the information contain facts or opinions?
c. Why do you think the author wrote the article? What was his/her purpose?
d. Who is the author? Is it evident who the author is and are his/her credentials easily verified? (This
means is he an expert in any way on the subject?)
e. If the article is on the Internet, what is the home page? Is it a credible source?
f. When was the article published? When was the website last updated?
g. Does the writing seem balanced or does it contain bias toward one point of view?
Below, document evidence of reliability, bias, and credibility.
Source Evaluation:
Type of Source (check one)—
 Primary
 Secondary
Point of View/Writing (check one)—
 Biased
(Point of View: ___________________)
 Balanced (means Unbiased)
Credibility/Reliability (check one)—
 Yes
 No
Why do you think this is reliable or not? Explain…
9
Website #4: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Mongolian-leader-seen-in-new-light-Genghis-Khan2633227.php (This is an excerpt, or small part of the article)
Mongolian leader seen in new light / Genghis Khan now regarded as great 13th century ruler
Jehangir S. Pocha /
Published 4:00 am, Sunday, May 22, 2005
It’s OK if you don’t understand all of the
words. Try to read for the main idea &
look for examples of bias.
– Mrs. Peters 
Uchral, 20,a painter in Mongolia, with his portrait of Genghis Khan.
2005-05-22 04:00:00 PDT Ulan Bator -- "Genghis Khan wasn't really a bad guy," Elbegdorj Tsahkia,
the Mongolian prime minister, said with a grin. "He just had bad press."
He was only half joking. Ever since Mongolia emerged from the Soviet Union's shadow in the early 1990s,
the lore and myth surrounding the khan, the original bad boy of history, have captured the imagination of
the country.
A popular and official movement to reassess Genghis Khan's marauding image is being marshaled by
admirers who say he was a truly great, if irascible, ruler.
"He is like a god to us," said Bat-Erdene Batbayar, who also goes by the name Baabar, a historian and
adviser to Elbegdorj. "He is the founder of our state, the root of our history. The communists very brutally
cut us off from our traditions and history and got us to adopt the ways and views of Western civilization -with a red color of course, but still Western. Now we are becoming Mongols again." This veneration of
Genghis Khan is partly traditional in Mongolia, where most revere their ancestors and where he is
considered the father of the nation.
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Source Sleuth
Hands-On Chapter Project ~ WHAT DOES A HISTORIAN DO?
Source Sleuth Assessment Rubric
Points
Website 1
Website 2
Website 3
Website 4
5
Student shows strong evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student shows strong evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student shows strong evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student shows strong evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
4
Student shows evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student shows evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student shows evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student shows evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
3
Student somewhat shows evidence of
understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student somewhat shows evidence
of understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
Student somewhat shows
evidence of understanding
reliability, bias, & credibility AND
student correctly identified
content as primary or secondary
source.
Student somewhat shows evidence
of understanding reliability, bias, &
credibility AND student correctly
identified content as primary or
secondary source.
2
Student shows little evidence of
understanding of reliability, bias, &
credibility OR is missing critical
information.
Student shows little evidence of
understanding of reliability, bias, &
credibility OR is missing critical
information.
Student shows little evidence of
understanding of reliability, bias,
& credibility OR is missing
critical information.
Student shows little evidence of
understanding of reliability, bias, &
credibility OR is missing critical
information.
1
Student showed lack of
understanding of reliability, bias, &
credibility OR lack of understanding
of primary & secondary sources OR is
missing critical information.
Student showed lack of
understanding of reliability, bias, &
credibility OR lack of understanding
of primary & secondary sources OR
is missing critical information.
Student showed lack of
understanding of reliability, bias,
& credibility OR lack of
understanding of primary &
secondary sources OR is missing
critical information.
Student showed lack of
understanding of reliability, bias, &
credibility OR lack of understanding
of primary & secondary sources OR
is missing critical information.
Self
Assessment
What score do you think What score do you
What score do you
What score do you
you earned on pg. 1? think you earned on pg. think you earned on think you earned on pg.
_____/ 5 pts
3? _____/ 5 pts
pg. 5? _____/ 5 pts
9? _____/ 5 pts
Teacher
Assessment
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