Project
Gun Policy in America
Jan 10, 2023
An Interdisciplinary Unit Plan Based on RAND's Gun Policy in America Website, Suggested Grades 10–12
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PDF file | 1.5 MB | Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. |
Microsoft PowerPoint slide deck
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zip file | 5.3 MB | The file(s) provided above are ZIP-formatted archives, which most modern systems can natively unpack. If your computer does not unpack the archive when you double-click it, you may need to use a separate decompression program such as UnZip. |
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.
Lesson One
Introducing Gun Policy and Research
Lesson Two
Analyzing Research Evidence on Outcomes of Gun Policies (Teacher-Led Exploration and Preparation for Jigsaw Activity)
Lesson Three
Analyzing Research Evidence on Outcomes of Gun Policies (Student Jigsaw Activity)
Lesson Four
Exploring Expert Judgments About Gun Policy Effects
Lesson Five
Searching for Common Ground on a Gun Policy Debate
Culminating Project
Developing an Argument for or Against Implementing a Gun Policy
Appendix A
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies Mapped to the Unit Plan's Lessons and Culminating Project
Appendix B
National Social Studies and Civics Standards Mapped to the Unit Plan's Lessons and Culminating Project
Appendix C
RAND Gun Policy in America Website Resources
Appendix D
Suggested Supports for Special Populations
Appendix E
Printable Materials for Students
Appendix F
Vocabulary Terms and Definitions
This tool was sponsored by Arnold Ventures and developed jointly by the Justice Policy Program within RAND Social and Economic Well-Being and RAND Education and Labor.
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