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Video

The Killer at Thurston High

Web Link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/kinkel/blame

Description: In May 1998, a year before the massacre at Columbine High, 15-year-old Kip Kinkel murdered his mother and father and then opened fire at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, killing two fellow students and wounding 25 others. Frontline explores what led this 15-year-old to kill his parents and classmates.

Questions to Consider:

1. What were the warning signs that Kip was escalating in his violent behavior?

2. Review the link to “Placing Blame,” and review the reasons experts have cited for provoking youth to commit murder. Do you agree or disagree with this synopsis? Discuss what you might add to this list.

 

Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA

Description: Veteran Frontline filmmaker Michael Kirk investigates the NRA, its political evolution and influence, and how it has consistently succeeded in defeating new gun control legislation.

Questions to Consider:

1. After viewing this, why do you believe the NRA has so much power?

 

Web

America Is Awash in Guns, and Crime Is at Record Lows

Description: The Federalist is a web magazine focused on culture, politics, and religion. Author Andrew Kline, using the statistics of various resources, finds that although there has been an increase in gun ownership there has been a decline in guns being used to commit crimes.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the ways that Mr. Kline suggests that we should reduce homicides in the United States?

 

Deadliest U.S. Mass Shootings, 1984-2016

Description: The Los Angeles Times staff compiled the deadliest U.S. mass shootings and includes those that have occurred in schools, workplaces, and places of worship.

Questions to Consider:

1. This article details 10 mass shootings. What are the overall similarities and differences of these incidents?

2. Upon review, are there any recommendations that you would make to reduce mass shootings? Explain.

 

School Violence: Weapons, Crime, & Bullying

Description: This website offers advice to teachers, teens, children, and parents on how to address school violence. The website provides links to specific topics to address all the violence occurring in schools.

Questions to Consider:

1. Upon review of this website, what do you think would be the most valuable information for parents, children, and teachers?

 

Why the Death Penalty Is on the Decline

Description: Sarah Childress, senior digital reporter for Frontline, details the three reasons why states have moved away from the death penalty.

Questions to Consider:

1. Of the three reasons cited by Ms. Childress on states moving away from the death penalty, which one do you think is the most valid reason to move away from the death penalty?