1. 2017 Federal Courts and Constitutional Controversies
A workshop by

2. Warm Up Find a blank note card on your table.
Write down your answers to these prompts:
Have you ever taught about the Second Amendment and gun laws?
If so, summarize how you taught it in one or two sentences.
If not, how might you?
You will not be sharing these now, but you may later.

3. Gun Control: Law & Policy

4. Civic Skills Construct and defend arguments
Listening actively to others
Engaging in respectful dialogue with those who hold different perspectives
Find (useful) resources to learn more

5. Outcomes: As a result of this session, teachers will be able to:
Describe how the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted and applied the 2nd Amendment;
Summarize various state and federal laws that regulate firearms;
Construct and defend arguments in support of (or in opposition to) gun control measures;
Engage in a civil discussion about controversial gun control policies;
List actions people can take if they want to influence gun laws; and
Use interactive and student-centered teaching strategies, especially “each one teach one” and “take a stand.”

6. “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
Second Amendment to the
United States Constitution, 1791

7. Overview of Federal Gun Laws
For presentation notes – see Handout 2, which describes the laws in detail.

8. Overview of Federal Gun Laws
Gun Control Act of 1968
The National Firearms Act (1934)
The Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (1986)
The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994, expired)
The Brady Act (1993, 1998)
For presentation notes – see Handout 2, which describes the laws in detail.

9. Supreme Court Cases District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)

10. Rules for Take A Stand Activity
Do not interrupt. Wait for your turn.
Do not argue. State your opinion.
Give new reasons or ideas.
Listen while others give their ideas and reasons.
If you change your mind about “where you stand”, you may move at any time.
Other rules?

11. What are the Implications for Teaching?

12. 2017 Federal Courts and Constitutional Controversies
A workshop by