The Change

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• mavo
• Leerjaar 2

The Change

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School tragedy 

that took place in Parkland, Florida

Learning objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the impact of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and discuss the #nomorebuckets movement.

What do you already know about school shootings in the USA?

Background on School Shootings

School shootings have become a major issue in the U.S., impacting students' lives and communities. 

So far 58 school shootings were recorded in the United States in 2024.

Active shooter drills and armed teachers

The only solution politicians have come up with are active shooter drills where students practice locking themselves in their classroom when there is a shooter. And the idea of armed guards or even armed teachers in the classroom.

Do you think armed guards or teachers with guns in the classroom is a good idea? Why or why not?

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Located in Parkland, Florida, this school became the site of a tragic shooting on February 14, 2018.
On this day, a former student opened fire, killing 17 people and injuring 17 more.

Impact on the Community & response

The shooting deeply affected students, families, and the broader community, sparking national conversations.
The shooting led to widespread calls for gun control and school safety reforms across the U.S.

Why do you think gun control
is so difficult
in the United States?

Gun ownership in the US

The second amendment - the right to bear arms - means that Americans are allowed to buy and own guns. But in some states it is really too easy to buy a gun. The United States has 335 million inhabitants and 434 million guns (and rifles).

Gun control

Most Americans want the law to change and make it harder for people to buy guns. But one very powerful organisation always manages to block these changes. They are called The National Rifle Association (NRA). They work for the gun makers.

Conspiracy theories

Shortly after the shooting, conspiracy theories started to emerge on social media, saying that there had been no shooting and that the students were all 'crisis actors'.

How do you think the students felt when they were called 'crisis actors'?

Student activism

The students of Parkland High had enough and started to organise marches to protest against the gun violence in the United States.

The Change

1. Grab your book.
2. Go to page 210 and read The Change.
3. Complete the questions 1 - 8 (not question 9!) on page 211.

#nomorebuckets

This is a story about fake news. Or is it fake news?🤨

Do you know what 'furries' are?

Furries

Furries are people who like to dress up in animal costumes.
Mostly like phantasy animals they invented themselves. Sometimes like existing animals like kangaroos, cats or dogs.

What is a litter box?

1. een brievenbus
2. een kattenbak

This must be fake news, right?!

It is partly fake.

The story about kids dressing up as furries and barking or meowing is fake. 
The story about litter boxes in classrooms is actually true...

Do you think people were angry for the right reasons? Why or why not?