The following ideas are adaptable classroom activities that encourage students to be active citizens.

1. Conduct a Community Poll on Gun Control Laws
Public opinion regarding gun control legislation can vary, as indicated by polls. For example, some polls indicate that men tend to be less in favor of stricter gun legislation than women, and gun owners tend not to advocate for background checks. How a poll is administered, and by whom, can also influence gun control perceptions collected from the public. Have students review several gun control polls undertaken by neutral and pro- and anti-gun control entities and compare and contrast the data. (To learn more about how best to read and comprehend polling data see Public Agenda Online.) Some gun polling results can be found at Sane Guns. Have students review gun laws and proposed legislation featured on the NOW Web site. Then, invite students to conduct polls on gun control laws in their community and/or school and compare local data to other polls.

2. Share Analysis of International Gun Laws
The NOW Web site features a comparison of gun laws from around the world. What is similar and different about these laws? Where is it easiest to acquire guns? Which nations have the heaviest restrictions on the purchase and use of firearms? Have students conduct additional research on gun control laws around the world and then write an "academic" analysis for a legal journal or local newspaper. As part of their analysis, students should also draw conclusions and make recommendations related to gun control in the United States. The DMOZ Open Directory Project provides a detailed listing of international gun control information. The Pacific Center for Violence Prevention also provides international statistics and summaries of firearms legislation from various countries. Reviewing NOW's selections from the U.S. gun control debate may assist with conclusions and recommendations.

3. Invite Local Political Leaders to Discuss Gun Control Laws
Some would argue that gun control laws have a bipartisan bent. The November 15, 2002 NOW WITH BILL MOYERS broadcast features an in-depth report in which various American leaders share their perspectives on gun control. (Note: A free transcript of this report is available on the NOW Web site. Teachers may also tape the broadcast off-air and use it in the classroom for one year. Alternatively, programs are available for purchase from ShopPBS.) Watch the report and note the viewpoints shared by political leaders and the party the speaker represents. Have students also review information on gun laws provided by NOW, and the Jurist: The Legal Education Network. For several laws, ask students to conduct research to determine how federal government officials from different political parties voted. How bipartisan are the votes for these laws? Next, have students invite local public officials and political representatives to participate on a panel in which they discuss their perspectives on gun control laws. Using their research, students should probe participants about whether gun control concerns vary depending on party affiliations and how that influences firearms lawmaking. For additional perspectives on how politicians view gun control laws and issues, have students read the Online NewsHour reports Targeting Guns, A Quick Draw, and Putting on the Safety.

4. Propose and Enact Solutions to Gun Violence
Legislation is one mechanism intended to curb violence associated with firearms, but are there other solutions? Have students brainstorm pro-active ways to reduce gun violence, focusing on their immediate community. Divide students into small groups and invite each group to select one of the listed activities that they will develop and implement. For example, they might design a public education campaign, or write and submit a proposal to local government officials to run a community-wide conflict resolution program. For ideas, students can refer to Online NewsHour EXTRA's Get Out and Make a Difference article, the Co/Motionmakers Web site, and the PAX Web site.

About the Author
Michele Israel has been an educator in varied capacities for over 20 years. As founder and director of Educational Consulting Group, Israel currently serves non-profit and educational institutions, providing services including strategic planning, curriculum development, and project management, produces learning materials and writes articles for companies such as the Public Broadcasting Service, Education World, and CNN/Turner Learning.