Van Dam

Article summary

van Dam ("of the dam" or "of the water") is a Dutch toponymic surname. van is akin to the German nobility von and English House of, while Dam derives its name from the dams in Amsterdam, Netherlands' capital and most populated city. In some cases, especially when entered by newer immigration ports, the name developed into the derivative, "VanDam."

Key claims

1. date of birth: 1984 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
2. date of birth: 1937 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
3. date of establishment: 1625 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
4. date of foundation: 1609 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. The record states that the date of birth is "1984". What evidence would count against this claim?
3. The record states that the date of birth is "1937". What evidence would count against this claim?
4. The record states that the date of establishment is "1625". What evidence would count against this claim?
5. The record states that the date of foundation is "1609". What evidence would count against this claim?
6. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
7. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1370890296