Understanding and Using Research on Gun Policy in America

The RAND Corporation launched the Gun Policy in America initiative in January 2016 with the goal of creating objective, factual resources for policymakers and the public on the effects of gun laws. The primary goal was to create resources where policymakers and the general public can access unbiased information that facilitates the development of fair and effective gun policies, and all resources are accessible on the project website. Responding to feedback from teachers and colleagues, RAND researchers developed a unit plan centered on those resources. The unit is designed to help high school educators and students — who are increasingly interested in joining the conversation about gun policy and mobilized to respond to gun violence — access the high-quality, evidence-based materials on the website. The researchers' overarching goals in developing the unit are to guide students to understand existing research related to gun policy and deeply consider the complexity of gun policy–related issues. The lessons and activities engage students in critically reading and synthesizing research evidence and expert opinions, and the unit culminates in the students applying this information to present an argument for or against implementing a specific gun policy.

An editable, student-facing slide deck is also provided to support educators in implementing the unit.