Resources

Student Resources:

• Second Amendment Primary Sources
• Background readings
• Second Amendment Case Studies
• What Are the Origins of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms?
• How Has the Second Amendment Been Interpreted?

Teacher Resources:

• Example of the Question Formulation Technique (QFT)

Anticipate

• Assign the background readings on the historical context of the Second Amendment prior to the lesson.
• Prepare guiding questions to help students focus on key themes during their reading.
• Scaffolding Note: Provide definitions for key terms such as “militia,” “arms,” and “gun control” on a classroom poster or handout.
• Key Terms: Militia, Second Amendment, Gun Rights, Gun Control

Engage

• Briefly discuss the historical context of the Second Amendment, including the period, the drafters’ intentions, and the original purpose.
• Facilitate a think-pair-share activity where students discuss their thoughts with a partner before sharing with the class.

Explore

• Introduce the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), explaining its purpose and how it will be used during this activity.
• Step 1: Question Generation
  • Divide students into small groups. Provide materials with primary source excerpts, Supreme Court decisions, and news articles.
  • Instruct groups to brainstorm as many questions as possible about the Second Amendment and its interpretation.
  • Example prompts: “What does ‘the right of the people to keep and bear arms’ mean?” “How have historical contexts influenced interpretation?” “What are the implications of District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)?”
• Step 2: Question Refinement
  • Groups select and refine their top three questions for clarity and depth.
• Step 3: Question Prioritization
  • Groups prioritize the most significant question(s) and share them with the class.
• Step 4: Class Discussion
  • Facilitate a discussion on the generated questions using readings for support.
  • Follow-up prompts: Why is this question important? How does it deepen understanding? How is it connected to current events?

Assess & Reflect

• Students select a current event related to the Second Amendment or gun control.
• They identify a QFT question the article helps answer, and explain how the article connects to historical context and legal interpretation.

Extend

• Create a visual timeline of key events, Supreme Court cases, and legislation.
• Step 1: Review QFT Questions – Use questions to guide research.
• Step 2: Research Phase – Groups research events such as:
• Drafting of the Second Amendment (1791)
• District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
• McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
• Gun Control Act of 1968
• Major public events prompting gun rights debate
• Step 3: Timeline Creation – Timelines should include dates, descriptions, significance, and answers to QFT questions.
• Step 4: Present Timelines – Groups present timelines and relate them to QFT questions.
• Step 5: Class Discussion & Reflection – Reflect on connections between events and questions, and how historical context informs understanding.