Lesson 10.4 Violence, Weapons, and Gangs

Overview

This lesson focuses on youth violence as a serious problem in many schools and communities. School and gang activity are common examples of youth violence. The risks associated with owning and carrying weapons are also addressed.

Learning Targets

  • LO16: Compare the risks associated with various types of weapons.
  • LO17: Describe the risks and consequences of gang involvement.
  • LO18: Explain how to avoid and report gang violence.
  • LO19: Analyze how public policies about weapons influence the health and safety of communities.

Preparation

For the Warm-Up Activity: Write the Journal Question on the board or identify (and copy as needed) the worksheets you plan to use:

For the Content Focus: Open the Lesson 10.4 PowerPoint slides or make copies of the Lesson 10.4 Note-Taking Guide.

For the Lesson Focus: Copy the Skill-Building Challenge Worksheet: Analyzing Influences.

Warm-Up Activity

Select a warm-up activity to help get your class focused and on task.

  • Journal Question: How do you feel about gun ownership? Do you think guns help prevent or contribute to violent behaviors?
    • Option: Write or project the question and have students respond in their journal or on their “bell ringer” sheet as they enter class.
    • Option: Have students discuss the question with a partner or in a small group.
  • Vocabulary Review: Have students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups to complete the Lesson 10.4 Vocabulary Review Worksheet.
  • Quiz: Have students complete the Lesson 10.4 Quiz to assess their prior knowledge.
    • Option: Collect the quiz and use it alongside a posttest to demonstrate student learning.
    • Option: Have students share their answers with a partner and then go over the answers together as a class.

Lesson Content

Review the content from the textbook lesson.

Lesson Focus: Analyzing Influences

  1. Provide each student with a copy of the Skill-Building Challenge Worksheet: Analyzing Influences. Have students work individually or in pairs.
  2. Allow students to work individually or with a partner.
  3. Have students complete the worksheet on federal and local laws related to owning and carrying weapons.
  4. Have students analyze how the laws influence individuals and the health and safety of communities.
  5. Have students create a two-minute speech that either supports the existing laws or supports changing the laws.
  6. Have students share their speech with the class.

Challenge Activity

Have students needing an additional challenge work on the following Thinking Critically task.

What could be done in your community to help prevent kids and young people from joining gangs? Come up with at least one idea and explain why you think it would work.

Reflection and Summary

Review the critical content from today’s lesson. Review the learning targets and ask students to answer each question posed.

Can you...

  • Compare the risks associated with various types of weapons?

    Firearms, knives, and protective spray devices are weapons that can provide both protection and dangers for the owner. Unintentional shooting, suicide, and homicide are all consequences of having access to firearms. Knives are second to firearms when it comes to weapons that are used to commit violent crimes.

  • Describe the risks and consequences of gang involvement?

    Risks of gang involvement include illegal gun ownership; drug trafficking; aggression; alcohol or drug use; previous delinquency; previous victim of violence; knowing gang members; friends who use drugs; strong friendships with delinquent peers; poor performance; low motivation; negative labeling by teachers; lack of role models; low connection to school; parent drug or alcohol abuse; family members in a gang; lack of role models; family violence or neglect; high poverty; high crime; drug availability; firearm availability; and cultural norms around gangs.

    Consequences of gang involvement include being killed or seriously injured. Individuals often abuse alcohol or drugs or both; they develop extensive police records that can limit education and employment opportunities in the future; are more likely to go to prison; and often become victims of violent crime themselves.

  • Explain how to avoid and report gang violence?

    Gang violence can be avoided by joining other safe and healthy clubs or organizations like sport teams, bands, or other student organizations.

    It is critical to report gang violence to a trusted adult or to the National Center for Victims of Crime (855-484-2846) or the HopeLine (919-231-4525 or 877-235-4525).

  • Analyze how public policies regarding weapons influence the health and safety of communities.

    Students completed this during the Skill-Building Challenge.

Assessment

Complete one or more of the following assessment tasks for this lesson.

Take It Home

Talk to a parent or guardian to understand their views on owning weapons like mace, knives, and guns. Try to understand what influences their perspectives and choices. In a paragraph, reflect on how your family’s views might influence your personal views about owning weapons.