Lesson Plan

Gun Control

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Overview

Gun control is a highly contentious and emotionally charged topic that generates intense debates spanning the entire political spectrum. With its roots in our Constitution and a direct impact on students nationwide, understanding the complexities of gun control is crucial. This lesson provides students with an opportunity to delve deep into the intricacies of the gun control debate and express their own perspectives.

Objectives

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, legal, and social dimensions of gun control, including its roots in the Constitution and its impact on students today.
  • Analyze and evaluate diverse perspectives surrounding the gun control debate, gaining a nuanced understanding of the arguments and reasoning from different viewpoints.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to explore the complexities of gun control, including its implications for public safety, individual rights, and societal well-being.
  • Engage in respectful and inclusive discussions, demonstrating the ability to share personal perspectives on gun control while appreciating the value of diverse viewpoints.
Grade Level
9th - 12th
Estimated Time
1 - 2 class periods
Recommended Tools
Related News & Issues
Gun Control And Gun Rights

Step-by-Step Guide

Activity

  • Students will spend 20-30 min looking at the Red Blue Translator™ terms listed above
  • Divide students into small groups, preferably with a mix of biases. 
  • Choose from the following list of discussion questions, and give students time to discuss them in small groups. If time permits, also have students come back into a larger class-wide discussion to share their thoughts.

Teacher reads the Second Amendment (“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”) out loud then urges students to discuss:

  • How do you interpret this amendment?
  • What do you think the Founding Fathers were thinking when they wrote this?
  • As the United States is different now than it was in the late 1700s, do you think it is still necessary?
  • Why is the right to own guns so important to Americans, in particular?

Deeper Meaning questions:

  • Where did you learn about guns? And what did you learn?
  • What role have guns played in your life?
  • What are your concerns about gun safety?
  • Are gun issues on your top 10 list of concerns? Why or why not?

After discussing Gun Control in general, pivot to guns in schools with the following questions:

  • What can schools do to keep students safe? What should they do?
  • Do armed guards in schools make them safer against gun-related attacks or encourage more violence?

Final Questions to pose to students, either as homework or just as a wrap up:

  • What is one important thing you thought was accomplished here?
  • Is there a next step you would like to take based upon the conversation you just had?
This lesson plan can be found at https://www.allsides.com/schools/lessons/gun-control