Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
04/04/2016
The GOP Is Pro-Guns — Just Not At Its Convention
In the gun-control debate, Republicans generally side with pro-Second Amendment causes. But the party has upset some because its upcoming convention will likely be gun-free. In less than a week, over 35,000 people signed a Change.org petition demanding that people attending the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July be allowed to bring their firearms. Some say it's odd that the pro-gun party would hold its convention in an arena that doesn't allow firearms.
■Class discussion: Would it be wise to allow guns at a political convention that could be hotly contested? What gun laws have Republican lawmakers passed around the country? Have they favored or opposed restrictions on carrying firearms? Where have new laws ended restrictions on carrying guns on college campuses or in schools, churches, theaters or bars? Is it safer when nearly everyone can carry a gun nearly everywhere? Are Republicans being hypocritical? Is the petition an attempt to embarrass the GOP?