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The Democracy Project: Gun Violence

  • Democracy Project | Grades 9-12

Overview

“Fantasists and zealots can be found on both sides of the debate over guns in America. On the one hand, many gun-rights advocates reject even the most sensible restrictions on the sale of weapons to the public. On the other, proponents of stricter gun laws often seem unable to understand why a good person would ever want ready access to a loaded firearm. Between these two extremes we must find grounds for a rational discussion about the problem of gun violence.” – Sam Harris 

Below you will find a set of teaching materials that will help you introduce your students to the topic of gun violence through a range of pedagogical frameworks. The aim of this project is to create opportunities for students to open their minds, take intellectual risks, and break free from the us vs. them modes of thinking that have proven so destructive to our democratic ideals. You may use these resources together or as stand-alone inspiration to engage your students in constructive conversations about this contentious and compelling topic.

  • Created by: Erin Cook (writer), Ambika Spinazzola (editor), Ellie Avishai (editor)
  • Updated: September 14, 2024

The Democracy Project: Gun Violence

  • Grades: 9-12
View Full Unit in Google Docs
  • Democracy Project Introduction

  • Gun Violence Overview

  • Gun Violence Teaching Resources

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  • 1. Contours of Debate: Sources on Gun Violence

  • 2. Categories of Analysis

  • 3. What Would It Take To Change Your Mind

  • 4. Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)

  • 5. Reframing the Conversation: Gun Violence in America

  • 6. Gun Regulations and the Constitution

  • Gun Violence Full Unit

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The Mill Institute provides training, resources and advisory support to teachers and school leaders so they can build learning cultures that support an open and rigorous exchange of ideas across their school communities.

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