Taser troubles
Focus Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Summarise the BtN story.
How can police bring dangerous situations under control?
What non lethal things do police already use to control people?
Why do they want to use Tasers?
Create a T chart to show the similarities and differences between Tasers and
guns.
6. What does Taser stand for?
7. In your own words, describe how a Taser works.
8. What are the arguments against using Tasers?
9. Why do they have camera built in?
10. Do you think police should be allowed to use Tasers? Explain your answer.
Reporting the facts about Tasers
Students will be writing an information report about police using Taser guns.
Begin with a discussion about the role of police in society and the different aspects
to the job of a police officer. Discuss the issues raised in the BtN story.
EPISODE 31
3RD NOVEMBER 2009
Learning Area
Society and
Environment
Key learning
Students will
develop an
understanding of
what Tasers are, why
police want to use
them and opposition
to them.
Identify what students know
Brainstorm key words and issues associated with Tasers and record students’
comments using a concept map. This is a useful way of connecting ideas and
identifying headings for their report. Students may need to research the issue in
more detail. There are some web links at the end of this activity sheet.
Develop a glossary
Technical or scientific language is often used in reports. Ask students to develop a
glossary of special language that they will need to write their report.
Structure of a report
Introduction
The opening statement explains the subject of the report, and includes a definition
or short description. Students need to define what a Taser is in the introduction.
Description
The body of the report is a series of paragraphs giving information about the
subject. Each paragraph describes a particular fact about the subject. For example
how Tasers work, why police want to use them and why some people are opposed
to them. The paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and is followed by facts
that support it.
Conclusion
A summary of what has been said.
© ABC 2009
.
Language features
Reports are usually written in the third person.
Present tense is often used.
A formal, factual style is used.
Support students to follow the draft-edit-publish process to produce their reports.
Suggested ways to publish their report include:



PowerPoint presentation
Web page
Oral presentation.
Reflection
What do you understand more clearly about the issue of police using Tasers?
What would you change about your report? Why?
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Taser me, says SA Opposition
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/21/2719851.htm
ABC News – More NSW police to be issued Taser guns
http://abconline.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/18/2248215.htm
ABC News – Tas police to consider Qld stun gun findings
http://abc.com.au/news/stories/2009/09/05/2677488.htm?site=news
ABC News – Debate heats up over US stuns gun laws
http://abc.gov.au/news/stories/2007/09/24/2041824.htm
World News Australia – Taser makers issues heart warning
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1115971/Taser-maker-issues-heart-warning
Howstuffworks – How stun guns work
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/stun-gun5.htm
Amnesty International – Grave concerns on stun weapons
http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/21193/
© ABC 2009