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.
03/26/2018
Thousands demand gun control at "March for Our Lives" rallies
Young Americans took to the streets Saturday in numbers likely not seen since the Vietnam War. The "March for Our Lives" rally was inspired by last month's massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Young voices chanted "never again" in cities across the country. It remains unclear whether the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators can shame Congress into passing new restrictions on guns.
■Class discussion: Do you think the mass demonstrations will lead to tougher gun laws? Are politicians swayed more by public opinion or lobbyist money? How much money does the gun lobby give to politicians? Do your senators, congressional representatives, state lawmakers, governor and president get money from the gun lobby? Would you vote for candidates who take money from gun lobbyists? Why or why not?