Figure 1: Script Followed for Instruction on Chemical Weapons Using the Question Exploration
Routine
Today we will be discussing chemical weapons. This is an important topic in the world
today, where we must be concerned with forms of modern warfare. Please take notes on the
Question Exploration Guide, and be prepared to discuss the topic and add what you know about
it. First, a critical question today is, “Why would a nation develop chemical weapons?”
Second, we need to ask, “What are key terms and explanations we need to discuss this
question?” To start our discussion, I have already written five words in the second section of
your Guide. One is chemical, a non-living substance. Another is chemical weapon, a liquid,
gaseous, or solid chemical that can cause harm. In our discussion, we also need to know key
words such as antidote, a man-made remedy against the effects of a poison. Atropine is an
antidote that is given before exposure to a nerve gas attack, and pyridostigmine is an antidote
that is given after exposure to a nerve gas attack.
Third, we will ask a series of smaller questions that will help us discover why a nation
would develop chemical weapons. The first smaller question is, “What are types of chemical
used as chemical weapons?” I have written on your Guide four types of chemical weapons.
These are tear gas, mustard gas, blood gas, and nerve gas.
The other smaller questions we will ask about each chemical weapon are: “What are
examples and common uses for each?” and “What are effects and defenses against each type of
weapon?” Let’s answer each of these questions in order.
An example of tear gas is Coursin-Stroughtin, which we usually just identify with the
initials “CS.” Tear gas is commonly used for riot control. Tear gases are the least harmful of all
the chemical weapons because they cause tears and coughing, but do not usually kill. Their
defenses are to use gas masks or find shelters.
Another type of chemical weapon is mustard gas; an example is chlorine. Chlorine is
commonly used in disinfectants. Mustard gas causes burns or blinds a person. Again, its defense
is to wear masks or find shelter.
Another type of chemical weapon is blood gas, such as hydrogen cyanide. Hydrogen
cyanide is used to make plastics. When used as a chemical weapon, it stops the flow of blood in
the body. It can be defended against by masks or shelter.
An example of a nerve gas is sarin. Just like the other chemical weapons, sarin comes
from ingredients that have common commercial uses; sarin is used to make pesticides. As the
name indicates, a nerve gas kills those exposed to it by blocking nerve impulses. Sarin is very
dangerous, and can cause great harm. Even a drop directly on the skin will kill a person.
Nerve gases are a little different from the other chemical weapons we have talked about
in terms of defenses because attempts have been made to develop antidotes. In fact, soldiers have
been given atropine before being exposed to nerve gas. Another antidote called pyridostigmine
has been developed for use after exposure.
However, for the other chemical weapons we have talked about that can be protected
against only by masks or shelters, we have few defenses, so the amount of exposure that a person
gets determines how much harm the chemical weapon causes.
Fourth, we need to use all of this information answer the critical question: “Why would a
country develop chemical weapons?” Let’s discuss. (Elicit discussion to arrive at the main idea
answer, “Chemical weapons are made from common chemicals and have few defenses.”)
Fifth, we ask, “How can we use the main idea?” We can find similarities and differences
such as the fact that tear, mustard and blood gases are similar in that the amount of harm depends
on exposure, but they are different in that some of them, like CS, disable someone for a short
time, but sarin can kill.
Sixth, and finally, we ask, “Is there a real-world use for the main idea?” We can think
about real-world problems such as explaining how a country might try to defend itself if an
inspector found sarin by saying that it could be used to make pesticides.
Now, let's review. We have talked about different types of chemical weapons such as
tear gas, mustard gas, blood gas, and nerve gas and examples of each – CS, chlorine, hydrogen
cyanide, and sarin. We also asked as series of smaller questions to come to the conclusion that,
“Chemical weapons are made from common chemicals and have few defenses.” We also
extended the idea to talk about similarities and differences, and to answer new questions.
Note: Items in boldface were printed on the student Question Exploration Guide
provided for note-taking.